History & Mission

Maplewood Community Music (MCM), a nonprofit and 501(C)(3) organization 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 community 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 quickly grew.  Soon after, the bands performed for Maplewood-area audiences in DeHart Park, the Maplewood Women's Club, Maplecrest Park, and Memorial Park. 

As the group became larger, its mission grew. MCM's Board and staff continue to drive MCM's mission of giving amateur musicians the opportunity to play and perform, and bringing free 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, the organization has grown to 60+ volunteer musicians playing in the Maplewood Concert Band, Swing Town (our 20-piece big band), and several smaller chamber groups. MCM annually hosts between 4-6 free, family-friendly performances and its ensembles perform at several local events throughout the year.

As Maplewood Community Music has grown, so has its mission. Today, guided by a strong commitment to music and community, we…

• Create opportunities for amateur musicians: We offer welcoming ensembles where adults and high school/college students can explore, grow, and enjoy playing music—whether they’ve played continuously or are returning after years away.

• Share music of all kinds with everyone: We host free, public, family-friendly concerts throughout Maplewood and neighboring communities, as well as outreach concerts for audiences who may not otherwise have access to live music.

• Inspire young people: We support student musicians and introduce children to instruments and live performances, helping spark an early love of music that can last a lifetime.

• Partner with community organizations: We with with various local groups to bring live music to community events, helping to enrich audience experiences and expand access to the arts.

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