Music Education Changes Lives

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Join CHSMPA in supporting excellent music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.

Upcoming Events

  • Cougar Marching Band Storms State Championships

    Saturday, November 1

    The “Pride of Columbia” Marching Band will conclude its competitive tour at the U.S. Bands NJ State Championships November 1st, in Robbinsville Township, NJ. Come out and support your band as over 85 talented Cougar performers present their timely and evocative field show, Let It Be, featuring the sounds of The Beatles.

    Get more information here

    Buy tickets online in advance using the code “Columbia25” and a big portion of your purchase will be rebated to our band as a fundraiser!

  • Save the Date: SOMA Rocks 2026

    Saturday, January 24, 2026

    The Local Heroes Band presents the annual SOMA Rocks singer showcase benefit concert to support Columbia High School Music Programs.

    SOMA Rocks is more than just a fundraiser for CHSMPA; it's a celebration of our community's talent and a night filled with incredible music and camaraderie. Each January, the Local Heroes Band invites its talented neighbors from the South Orange and Maplewood community to perform with the band as guest vocalists.

    More Information Coming Soon

  • Cougar Marching Band Tours New Jersey with The Beatles’ “Let It Be”

    The Marching Band continues its competitive circuit throughout October, culminating at NJ State Championships in November. Come out and support your band as it strives for excellence with its evocative 2025 Field Show, Let It Be, featuring the sounds of The Beatles. The Cougars take the field at:

    North Brunswick Township High School, October 4

    Somerville High School, October 11

    Hillsborough High School, October 25

    New Jersey State Championships, November 1

    Get more information here, and join the band for an amazing day of music sport and pageantry arts.

NJSMA
Freyja Balmer Freyja Balmer

NJSMA

The CHS bands participated in the NJSMA Region High School Concert Band Festival on Wednesday, March 19th,
at Hanover Park High School.

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Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble Performance
Freyja Balmer Freyja Balmer

Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble Performance

The Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Peter F. Bauer performed its annual concert on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The performance included a fantastic selection of jazz standards including “Land of Make Believe", "Round Midnight” and “My Funny Valentine”. A highlight of the night was a set by “The Children of Sanchez”, a student-led combo helmed by Jackson Pellegrino, who also created the arrangements.
Photos courtesy of Julia Maloof Verderosa Photography.

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