Students in Folsom High School’s music program continued their award-winning ways last weekend with a first-place award at the prestigious Fullerton College Music Department Jazz Festival.

The annual Fullerton College Music Department Jazz Festival takes place on the campus of Fullerton College in Southern California and is one of the most prestigious competitions of its type in the state. Some 45 different schools competed throughout the day in both vocal and instrumental competitions, according to Frankie Arata, Co-President of the Folsom Music Boosters. It was Folsom High School’s Jazz Band A bringing home the gold in one of the most populated and coveted divisions.

Competing in the Heavy division, under the direction of Folsom Band Director Gaw Vang Williams, Folsom High School Jazz Band A impressed the three-judge panel to win the competition by one overall point. against a field of top talent. At the end of the day, Folsom High finished with a score of 287 to clinch the victory.

Downey High School earned the second-place honors, just one point below Folsom. Esperanza High School placed fourth in the division, over Clovis, Long Beach Poly High School, and Pleasant Hill High School.

Competing in such competitions is made possible for Folsom High School students in part by the continued efforts of the Folsom High School Music Boosters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization’s mission is promoting excellence through music education and is realized through the efforts and talents of our dedicated volunteers and community.

Such efforts and dedication provide fundraising and event support to the Folsom High School music program. You can learn more about them or donate at www.folsommusic.org. Those wishing to see all of the results from the Fullerton College Music Department Jazz Festival can do so HERE.

Folsom High School Jazz Band A performs at the Fullerton High School Jazz Festival where they earned first place in the “Heavy” division.