Curtis Gaesser retired in 2023 after 39 years of distinguished teaching. He began his career in the Folsom/Cordova School District in 1984 and taught at Folsom High School from 1987 to 2023, where he led Marching Band, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Choir, three Jazz Bands, Concert Band, Color Guard, and Drumline.

More than just a music educator, Curtis built a program that became a pillar of support for students during their high school years—a place where they felt a sense of purpose, belonging, and responsibility to something greater than themselves. He cultivated an environment where students could count on consistency, mentorship, and high expectations. His ensembles were rooted in teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect, teaching students the value of contributing to a shared goal and striving for excellence together.

Curtis was named Folsom Cordova School District “Teacher of the Year” in both 1990 and 2011 and was honored as California State Jazz Educator of the Year in 2003. In 2008, he received the “Annual National Achievement Award in Jazz Education” from DownBeat Magazine and the “Music Achievement Award” from the Sacramento News and Review. The City of Folsom named him “Person of the Year” in 2001, and in 2016, he received both the city's “Most Outstanding Teacher” award and the Northern California Band Directors Association’s “Most Outstanding Educator Award.” In 2017, he was named “Best Music Educator” for Northern California by the California Music Educators Association.

Curtis was a Top 10 Finalist for the 2018 Grammy Educator Award and received the Jazz Education Network's John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award in 2023. He was also inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Education Hall of Fame and the California Alliance for Jazz Hall of Fame.

In 1989, he founded the Folsom Jazz Festival, which has grown into the largest educational jazz festival in California, offering thousands of students the opportunity to perform, grow, and be part of something meaningful.

Under Curtis’ direction, the Folsom High School Jazz Band A was named “Best High School Jazz Band” 17 times by DownBeat Magazine since 1993, including 16 of the last 18 years. The Folsom High School Jazz Choir I earned “Best High School Vocal Jazz Group” 26 times since 1994, including the past 24 consecutive years.

The Jazz Band earned sweepstakes at the Reno Jazz Festival seven times, including six straight wins in recent years. The Jazz Choir has earned 13 sweepstakes titles at the same festival. The Jazz Band also won the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2013 and 2020 and was a finalist 13 times. They performed as artists at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival 13 times. The Jazz Choir has won the Monterey Next Generation Festival 16 times and performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival 23 times. Both groups participated regularly at the Monterey Festival from 1997 until 2020.

Curtis has also led his ensembles on five European tours since 1997, sharing the excellence of Folsom’s music program on an international stage.

Curtis Gaesser’s legacy is defined not only by awards and accolades but by the community he built—a place where students were supported, challenged, and surrounded by peers and mentors who believed in them. His program was a family, united by hard work, shared goals, and a commitment to excellence. For thousands of students, it was a steady and inspiring force during some of the most formative years of their lives.