Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South (2026-2027)





The Boom is back​

How Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South adapted to shorter band camp​


The start of a new school year also marks the start of a new band season for Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South and Prancing J-Settes.

The band recently finished up band camp, and on Aug. 8 it performed in its annual showcase called Thee Merge, uniting the new freshman members with the returning upperclassmen to form this year’s band.

“It’s always like a new beginning,” band director Roderick Little told the Clarion Ledger. “As much as we’ve done within our program, people always get excited. And then there’s a high sense of mystique around the program, in regards to, either if it’s the numbers of the band or the quality of the band or just to see a loved one make it through band camp. … It’s just always a lot of buzz, a lot of excitement around Thee Merge.”

Due to an earlier start to the academic year, this year’s band camp was shortened from three weeks to two, giving the students and staff less time to prepare for the upcoming season than in recent years.

However, the directors were up for the challenge of structuring camp more efficiently to adhere to the new timeline, leading to an improved band camp experience. Though challenged, the students managed to adapt and complete the two-week intensive.

Sonic Boom is looking forward to the first few events of the year.

They’ll begin their season in Nashville, Tennessee, for Jackson State football’s season opener against Tennessee State on Aug. 29 (7:30 p.m. ESPN+). They will also perform at the HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sept. 6.

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