Folsom High School Jazz Band A has earned national recognition, being named Best High School Jazz Band by DownBeat Magazine 17 times since 1993, including 16 of the last 18 years. The band has won Sweepstakes as the top instrumental group at the Reno Jazz Festival seven times—six of those consecutively—and has twice been awarded top honors at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, in 2013 and 2020. Since 1990, they’ve been finalists at Monterey thirteen times and performed as featured artists at the Monterey Jazz Festival 13 times since 1992.

Participation in these prestigious jazz festivals has played a vital role in preparing Folsom High School Jazz students for the demands of college-level auditions, interviews, and artistic challenges. These experiences cultivate discipline, resilience, and creativity—essential skills for students aspiring to pursue music beyond high school.

In addition to national success, the jazz ensembles have expanded their artistic horizons internationally, performing throughout Europe on five tours since 1997. These high-level opportunities continue to inspire students to push their craft and pursue excellence at the next level.