Our History
Maplewood Community Music (MCM), a non-profit based in Maplewood, NJ, was founded in 2003 by Jim Buchanan and Susan Williams. Susan had played in the Rutgers Band and after a number of years without playing, she approached Jim Buchanan about starting a band. At the time, Jim was the Cultural Affairs Supervisor for Maplewood and had over 34 years of experience in music education and conducting. Jim suggested starting rehearsals for a concert band and a jazz band for which he became the musical director. The first rehearsal had only six musicians, but they grew and soon after the bands performed for Maplewood-area audiences in DeHart Park, the Maplewood Women's Club, Maplecrest Park, and Memorial Park. Shortly after, two additional ensembles were formed, Bones Unlimited (trombone ensemble) and Jackson Square (Dixieland band).
As the group became larger, its mission grew too. The dedicated group of volunteer musicians and conductors continue to work towards MCM's major goals of giving hobbyist musicians the opportunity to play and perform and bringing music to Maplewood, South Orange, and other nearby communities. In addition, MCM is proud to support community events and community/youth music enrichment programs.
Since its formation in 2003, the organization has grown to well over 50 musicians and has numerous active ensembles. MCM hosts between 4-6 events each season and our ensembles perform at even more local events each year.
As the group became larger, its mission grew too. The dedicated group of volunteer musicians and conductors continue to work towards MCM's major goals of giving hobbyist musicians the opportunity to play and perform and bringing music to Maplewood, South Orange, and other nearby communities. In addition, MCM is proud to support community events and community/youth music enrichment programs.
Since its formation in 2003, the organization has grown to well over 50 musicians and has numerous active ensembles. MCM hosts between 4-6 events each season and our ensembles perform at even more local events each year.
Our Mission
As MCM grew beyond its ensembles, several objectives drove the group. Its current mission includes several points:
- to bring various types of music to Maplewood and the surrounding areas,
- to provide local student and adult musicians with the opportunity to join a community ensemble and continue their love of playing and performing,
- to perform youth outreach that supports the student musicians and inspires our youth to enjoy and possibly play an instrument,
- to partner with other organizations to bring music-related events to the area