Laura Wood is a member of CHSMPA, the Columbia High School Music Parents Association.
The CHS Marching Band’s 2026 field show was entitled “Club Fuego”, and they certainly brought the heat to the 2026 State Championships on October 31 where they captured first place in Group V(5)A.
In addition to taking top honors in their group, the band earned caption awards for Best Overall Effect and Best Color Guard.
The show’s tagline is “where one night can change everything,” and under the direction of CHS Director of Bands Peter Bauer, Assistant Director Kaelyn Rajmohan, and Instructional Staff D’Sherrick Williams (Color Guard), Maxwell Winters (Percussion) and William Wheeler (Percussion), the “Pride of Columbia” did just that.
The spark they had at the start of Band Camp grew into a flame as the season progressed. By the time the season culminated at the State Championships, the 100-member marching band was truly on fire, executing the field show for the final time with passion and precision.
Before the marching band headed to Robbinsville High School for the competition, Maplewood Deputy Mayor Malia Herman and Mayor Vic De Luca added sizzle to the evening, by coordinating with the Maplewood and South Orange police departments to provide an escort to the buses as the band members made their way from Underhill field to the CHS parking lot. This kind act, along with the Township’s presence at CHS, made the kids feel celebrated indeed.
In addition to having a strong competitive season, the Marching Band delighted football and band fans alike from the stands and on the field at home football games.
Congratulations Cougars on a wonderful season—you were truly inextinguishable!
