The Columbia High School Music Parents’ Association, Inc., better known as CHSMPA, was officially incorporated in 2006, and received nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. The Columbia High School Music Parents’ Association (CHSMPA) has been in existence since 1994. Prior to 1994 Columbia High School had a Band Parents’ Association. With the creation of CHSMPA, the Band Parents’ Association was expanded to include all areas of the music department. With school budget crises throughout the state of New Jersey, and a general reduction in funding for the arts, the role of CHSMPA has become increasingly important to the CHS music department. Our mailing address is CHSMPA, Inc., PO Box 36, South Orange, NJ 07079
CHSMPA parents are busy throughout the year supporting and promoting the activities of the Columbia High School music department’s curricular and extra-curricular music ensembles. We do this in many ways, including fundraising, encouraging participation in music activities, and providing physical support at music events. From the beginning of Marching Band Camp in August to our spring concerts in June, CHSMPA parents fill a variety of volunteer roles.
In addition to our active support and promotion of the music department, CHSMPA is an important financial contributor to the department and its music programming.
CHSMPA BOARD MEMBERS 2017-18
| TITLE | NAME | |
| Co-President | Barbara Cokorinos | bac2@nyu.edu |
| Co-President | Brad Kalos | brdkls@yahoo.com |
| VP Band | Lorry Ripley | LRipley@optonline.net |
| VP Band | Karin Heston | hestonka@gmail.com |
| VP Color Guard | Michelle Schwartzbard |
mrs419@hotmail.com |
| VP Orchestra | Crystal Glynn | crystalglynn@gmail.com |
| VP Orchestra | Jonathan Poor | JPoorRandP@aol.com |
| VP Choir | Nancy Friedman | NancyFriedman@verizon.net |
| VP Choir | Marcy Thompson | marcythompson@me.com |
| VP Fundraising | Devyani Guha | dkgelm5@gmail.com |
| Treasurer | Ernie Goff | Ernie.goff@gmail.com |
| Recording Secretary | Ellen Dreyer | ellen@ellendreyer.com |
| Corresponding Secretary | Yvette Holowczak | yvettewh@gmail.com |
| VP Communications | Deb Gaines | deb@deborahgaines.com |