Student Percussionist Receives NC State’s Largest Music Scholarship
Jason Fogelsonger is named the 2024-2025 recipient of the Toni Masini Memorial Scholarship.
The NC State Department of Performing Arts and Technology awarded Jason Fogelsonger the 2024-2025 Toni Masini Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship preserves the memory of the late Toni Christine Masini, a dedicated student in the NC State Marching Band and Wind Ensemble. Established by Toni’s parents, Robert and Michelyn Masini, the scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates academic and musical excellence and outstanding leadership in the marching band.
This year’s recipient is Jason Fogelsonger, a third-year student from Raleigh, NC. Fogelsonger is currently majoring in Biological and Agricultural Engineering with a concentration in bioprocessing and minoring in music performance with a concentration in percussion. Similar to Toni Masini, he is a dedicated student musician. You can watch the scholarship recipient performing as a member of NC State’s Power Sound of the South® marching band, varsity pep band and wind ensemble.
“It is an honor to be compared to Toni Christine Masini and others who have truly dedicated themselves not only to their instruments but to the NC State music department,” says Fogelsonger. “My goal has always been to lift up others around me, both musically and as part of our community. I hope that I can continue to pass these ideals down to future members of the music program to promote a healthy atmosphere for future members in the music department.”
“Jason is an outstanding student. Ever since I’ve known him, whether through Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, or Applied Lessons, he is always well-prepared, hard-working, conscientious and really works well with other students. He is an exemplary person and the kind of person you would want to be a part of the department. If we were going to pick an excellent representative of the department in any way, he would definitely be high on my list.”
Paul Garcia,
Director of Bands
Q&A
What role does music play in your life?
Music is one of the biggest aspects of my life right now. Even though I push my schedule to the limit to keep music in my life, it never feels like a burden because I use it to relax and unwind. It allows me to express myself in new and different ways outside of my normal daily activities, helping me when school may otherwise start to get stressful. Outside of that, music at NC State has allowed me to feel connected to game days and the NC State community who will always get excited for the band.
What has been a highlight of your experience as a musician at NC State?
While its hard to pick a specific moment, all of the trips and places I’ve been with the marching band and wind ensemble have definitely been highlights. It’s always fun to explore places I’ve never been before, and the freedom we have on these trips makes me appreciate them even more. On top of that, seeing the reactions from those we play for are always a joy to experience.
What’s next for you?
First of all, my music performance minor recital is coming up in the spring. I have spent a lot of time working with a range of different percussion instruments and styles with Dr. Garcia, and I am excited to culminate these lessons with a final performance featuring it all. In addition, I am continuing to push my tenor drum skills, and I am hoping to perform for World Class WGI and DCI groups starting this summer.
What advice do you have for incoming students who are interested in participating in music at NC State?
I know this sounds cliche, but my biggest advice would be to just get out here and try it. No matter what experience you may have had in high school, I guarantee that the music ensembles and programs at NC State will be very different and a ton of fun. If you’re concerned about the time commitment, I won’t pretend it’s always easy to balance, but as an engineering student involved in several music ensembles, I can assure you it’s more manageable than you might think.
The Department of Performing Arts and Technology provides educational and performance opportunities for students and community members through a variety of musical experiences and academic courses. The department also offers various scholarships for its programs, including renewable performance scholarships.
