Show your support for our outstanding students and music educators!

BECOME A MEMBER

The mission of the Columbia High School Music Parents Association is to promote and maintain an enthusiastic interest in all phases of the CHS Music Program and to facilitate and support its activities.

In just the past few years, participation in the various chorus, band, and orchestra ensembles, as well as music technology and theory, has grown by 73%, to over 600 students. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, South Orange/Maplewood was named as one of the best communities for music education.

By joining CHSMPA you are supporting the students who participate in music programs at Columbia High School. Thank you!

CHSMPA is a 501(c)3 non-profit group (EIN #26-0512829).

Band

Curricular

Concert Band – Freshman Band
Symphonic Band – Grades 10 – 12
Wind Ensemble – Grades 10 – 12 (Honors Band)

Extra-curricular

All School Musical – Pit Orchestra
Brass Ensemble
Cougar Marching Band
Jazz Ensemble

Mr. Peter F. Bauer, Director


973-762-5600 x1183

Orchestra

Curricular

String Orchestra — Grades 9-12

Masterworks Chamber Orchestra - Honors — Grades 9-12

Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra - Honors— Grades 10-12

Extra-curricular

Ravina Youth Symphony

Todd VanBeveren

Chorus

Curricular

Chorus – Grades 9-10
Symphonic Choir (Tenor-Bass)  – Grades 10 – 12 (Honors)
Canens Vocem (Soprano-Alto) – Grades 10 – 12 (Honors)

Excelsior Singers (Mixed Voices) – Grades 10 – 12 (Honors)

Extra-curricular

A Cappella Club:  Noteworthy and Unaccompanied Minors
All School Musical

Nicholas Diaz, Director
973-762-5600 x1548

Marching Band

The CHS Cougar Marching Band is one of the most visible and respected performing ensembles at Columbia High School. “The Pride of Columbia” has a rich tradition of musical excellence, visual pageantry, dedication, and pride which is carried from generation to generation within the band.

Mr. Peter F. Bauer, Director

pbauer@somsd.k12.nj.us
973-762-5600 x1183

Music Tech

Curricular

Introduction to Music Theory
AP Music Theory
Music Technology

Extra-curricular

Music Business Club

Ms. Emily Vite, Director

evite@somsd.k12.nj.us

The Music Technology room was redesigned in 2019 thanks to a grant from CHSMPA and now includes up-to-date hardware and software appropriate for electronic music, composition, and theory.

CHSMPA BOARD

  • Chamin Ajjan

    PRESIDENT

  • Anina Rossen

    CO-PRESIDENT & SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR

  • Ken Kraemer

    TREASURER

  • Lynne Daley

    COMMUNICATIONS

  • Jessica Haines

    RECORDING SECRETARY

  • Deborah Jaffe / Katie Rickard

    FUNDRAISING

  • Freyja Balmer

    WEB & MUSIC TECH REPRESENTATIVE

  • Melissa Wahlers / Laura Wood

    BAND REPRESENTATIVES

  • Fiorella Benson / Jessica Cochrane

    ORCHESTRA REPRESENTATIVES

  • Amy Merlino Coey

    CHORUS REPRESENTATIVE

  • Brad Daniel

    MUSIC TECH REPRESENTATIVE

  • Ellen Lunenfeld

    COLOR GUARD REPRESENTATIVE