Show your support for our outstanding students and music educators!
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
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
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
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Chamin Ajjan
Board President
Chamin Ajjan, LCSW, A-CBT, CST has served on the CHSMPA Board since 2023 as President. She is the Founder, CEO and Clinical Director of Chamin Ajjan Psychotherapy.
A Los Angeles, CA native, Chamin moved from Brooklyn, NY after 22 years to Maplewood, NJ 4 years ago and lives with her husband Brian, her 17 year old daughter Brooklyn and 8 year old son Kingston.
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Freyja Balmer
Web & Music Tech
Freyja Balmer joined CHSMPA in 2024. She leads Product Development at Hearst Newspapers, and is a founding Board Member of Students United News Network. Her son Arran (16) AKA Navo studies music production, and her son Cormac studies percussion.
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Amy Merlino Coey
Board Member
Amy Merlino Coey is a General Manager and the Director of Contracts at 321 Theatrical Management working on multiple productions including the Broadway and national touring companies of WICKED, THE OUTSIDERS and the National Tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO. She has served as the Band representative to CHSMPA for the past 3 years and is the proud mom of Max & April Coey. Amy is a graduate of the Syracuse University Department of Drama.