The “Pride of Columbia” Cougar Marching Band wrapped up its season on November 1 at the U.S. Bands NJ State Championships competition, at Robbinsville High School where it earned its highest score of the season.

The Cougar Band wowed the crowd with its poignant and timely 2025 field show, Let it Be. Featuring the sounds of The Beatles, the show explored the turbulent period of the 60’s and 70’s, and delivered messages of peace, acceptance and love in a time when our country and village need it most. The band’s rendition of the show’s title tune, Let It Be, raised goosebumps as well as awareness, as the color guard masterfully engaged the crowd with grace, skill and a sensationally-rich program.

The progress of the group has been impressive, especially during what turned out to be a challenging season. The group participates in the U.S. Bands circuit, competing against bands of similar size from all over New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and New York. A team of expert judges evaluates the group as they perform their show from overhead and on the field, scoring the performers across a number of captions, such as Music, General Effect, Percussion, Color Guard and Visual Effect. This year, in addition to the band receiving their highest score of the season, the Color Guard received 5th place honors statewide, and Percussion came in 6th.

The experience students have marching with the Cougar Band is a testament to how music education changes lives. Students learn skills that go beyond musicality and choreography; teamwork, discipline, goal-setting, planning, athleticism, accountability and how to make hopes a reality are all part of the daily routine for the group.

CHSMPA is proud to support the Cougar Marching Band in its pursuits. In addition to our members, CHSMPA also wants to thank the small fleet of volunteer band parents who show up daily to help move equipment, drive trucks, repair and clean uniforms, feed the band, donate supplies and food, build (and hold up) sets, fundraise and cheer louder than anyone else in the stadium. We also thank Mr. Peter Bauer, Ms. Kaelyn Passeri, Mr. D’Sherick Willilams, Mr. Maxwell Winters and the entire Marching Band coaching staff for their unrelenting dedication to giving our kids an amazing experience.

Congratulations to the performers and staff for a remarkable 2025 season.

Planning for the 2026 season has already started. You can support the Marching Band by becoming a CHSMPA member or you can donate directly here.

All photos courtesy of Julia Maloof Verderosa.

Cougar Marching Band Wraps Up Stunning Season

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