Student Scholarship Winners Testimonies

2024 - 2025


I came to Folsom my sophomore year without any clue about the lifelong friendships I was about to make. The people I met in the music program became my brothers, sisters, and family, all of whom have made my high school experience into the most incredible and memorable time. The lessons I learned both about music and life will follow me as I go into college and know wholeheartedly that because of the instruction I received from Mrs. Williams I am a strong singer/instrumentalist, a positive team member, and above all I know that I can succeed at whatever I put my mind to whether it be complicated music or making a change in global warming. 

I plan to attend California State University at Monterey Bay and major in marine science, but a lot of my extracurricular activities will include marching and playing in the pep band, jazz band, and hopefully starting a jazz choir. I look forward to college all the more now, although I will miss the friends I’ve made in the Folsom music program, because I know that no matter where I go: I always have a family in music. 

- Starre Staley

1)The Folsom High School music program was by far the most influential and formative program I went through at FHS. I was initially intimidated by the program as a freshman and soon after joining I was challenged and pushed farther than what I had ever done before. Although I was struggling at first and trying to hold my own, I soon discovered that the results were far more rewarding than the process had ever been daunting. I found myself making progress, finding my voice and identity, and finding other creative individuals who not only supported me, but constantly encouraged me to go beyond what was expected of me or what I expected of myself. I gained confidence in my artistic abilities and my power to try new things. The skills I was learning in my third period were helping me in auditions, social interactions, and even job interviews. Aside from the practical side of things, I made lifelong memories, connections, and friendships that have truly changed my life. Today, I am filled with passion, confidence, and professionalism that were developed solely through this program. I truly believe I would not be pursuing my dreams right now if it wasn’t for Folsom High School and everyone in this program that helped me along the way. I especially would like to thank, Mr Gaesser and Mrs Williams for always creating a safe space to be creative and for continually supporting me on and off the stage.

2) Right now I’m getting my BA in Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California. I’m planning to work in the entertainment industry as an actress and hopefully sing a little too.


Folsom Music Has Provided Me:
- Reason to continue playing music through on campus and off campus events: competitions, football games
- Opportunities to learn from and connect with professionals: Mike Rocha, Sacramento Mandarins director, US Airmen of Note
- Opportunities to lead and learn how to lead: section leader, marching band
- Various performance opportunities in state, and out of state, notably: Disneyland, Jazz education network (Atlanta).

Future Plans:
- Bachelors of Music: Jazz Performance (Trumpet), Jazz Education
- Masters of Music: University of North Texas
- Career: recording artist, solo artist, lead trumpet / bandleader, composer.

- Mason Head



The Music Program at Folsom High School has been huge in shaping me into the person I am today. Through leading in the Marching Band and playing in the jazz bands, I have learned to collaborate with others as well as lead them to help create something beautiful. I know that the lessons I have learned from this program under the leadership of Gaw and Mr. Gaesser before will be instrumental in my future development as a professional, as a musician, and most importantly as a person.

This fall I am attending Sacramento State as a Civil Engineering major. Although it will not be my primary focus, I will continue my music journey playing in the bands at Sac State and continuing with trumpet. I am incredibly grateful for the great time and effort that every member in the Folsom Music Boosters has gifted to me and the other students. Thank you!

Joel Swanson