Fall Performing Arts Preview for Columbia High School

Columbia High School has a strong reputation as a school that supports and develops the artistic talents of its student body—whether students are playing in a band or orchestra, singing in a chorus, or performing in a musical, drama, comedy or dance production.

There are quite a few stories to be told about Columbia performing arts achievements and that is why I am excited to assume the role of "High School Performing Arts Correspondent" for Maplewood Patch and South Orange Patch. 

My passion for performing arts at Columbia was nurtured by the opportunities and experiences that my son Quinn, a recently minted Columbia graduate, was able to enjoy. Watching him perform also gave me the opportunity to discover the impressive talent of his fellow CHS students and faculty.

My mission is to keep you informed of the performing arts programs, performances and personalities via words, pictures and video. 

The South Orange-Maplewood School District also recently brought aboard a new Director of Fine Arts, Tony Mazzocchi, who will undoubtedly have an effect on the shape and direction that performing arts programs and education will take.

Here is a run down on just some of the events scheduled through December of this year. Look for a Spring Preview article in January 2011.  

• The award winning Parnassian Society presents its annual show at the CHS Black Box Theater on November 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00 p.m. and November 14 at 3 p.m. This fall's show has not yet been announced but, if past years' performances are any indicator, you're in for a treat. For the 2009 season, The Real Inspector Hound and Black Comedy.   
• The CHS Marching Band can be seen live this fall at most CHS Football games. They can also be seen at a half dozen or so marching band competitions throughout the state of New Jersey, culminating in the New Jersey Championships in Sayreville, NJ on Sunday, October 24. They will also appear in the Northern States Competition in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Saturday, November 6. In case you missed it take the time to read the preview of the Marching Band season that the Patch recently published.
• The Music Program presents its annual Winter Concerts in December. The CHS Choirs take the CHS Auditorium stage on Wednesday December 15, followed by the CHS Band on Thursday, December 16, and the CHS Orchestra on Tuesday, December 21.
• Columbia recently welcomed aboard Jamie Bunce as the new Director of Choral Activities. Our Patch profile of Bunce is coming Thursday, September 9.
• CHS Assistant Principal, Magic Club Adviser and professional magician Michael Healy presents two performances of his annual Magic Show at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, at the CHS Black Box Theater. Money raised from ticket sales is used to support the operation of the CHS Magic Club. You can see video of some of Healy's Magic Students on stage at their annual Spring Magic Show. 

I hope you will enjoy the stories and accompanying images as much as I will enjoy covering the Performing Arts Program. Don't hesitate to let me know about any other Columbia performing arts story ideas of which you are aware.

Here's looking forward to an exciting year. Break a leg!

Download the movie

Download the movie

Download the movie