Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South (2024-2025)
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bernard
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Jackson State University band gets on-campus home
The Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South has a new on-campus home.Dr. Roderick Little, Director of Bands/Assistant Professor of Music at Jackson State, made the announcement on Friday.
“I’m pleased to share that a transformational investment has created a new on-campus home for the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South.
As of October 1, all operations for The Boom will occur in the completely transformed second level of the Reddix Building.
The new SBOTS Rehearsal and Operations Center (The ROC) features over 20,000 sq ft of newly renovated practice, office, storage, and student support spaces in the heart of campus. The new main rehearsal hall is double the size of our FD Hall Music Center rehearsal hall and comfortably accommodates an ensemble of up to 350 musicians. The center also includes a new Prancing J-Settes Studio, directors’ offices, equipment storage, study areas, and more.
On behalf of our students, staff, alumni, and fans, I extend appreciation to President Dr. Marcus Thompson for this showing of commitment to the sustained growth and excellence of our program. All who #LuvDaBoom know how much of an immediate and lasting impact this new facility will have on the Sonic Boom!”
The Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South has continued to shine in recent performances, captivating audiences with their powerful sound, intricate formations, and high-energy showmanship. Recent highlights include standout performances during the 2024 football season, where they electrified crowds at halftime with tributes to musical legends and creative, precision-packed routines. The band also made waves at major events like the National Battle of the Bands, impressing with their signature style and dynamic drumline. Their blend of tradition and innovation has reinforced their reputation as one of the nation’s premier collegiate marching bands.
Jackson State University band gets on-campus home
Discover the new on-campus home for the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South. Explore the recently transformed Reddix Building.
hbcugameday.com
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bernard
THEE Realist
HBCU band names fourth woman in its history as drum major
The Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South, one of the top HBCU bands in the nation, has selected the fourth woman in its history, Senior Ariel Woods from Dallas, Texas, as one of its drum majors for the 2024-2025 band season.The 300-member Sonic Boom is led by five drum majors every year collectively known as the “Jackson Five.” Ariel Woods will be just the fourth woman to lead the historic HBCU band whose roots go back to the 1920’s.
As one of the top HBCU bands, the Jackson State University Sonic Boom does far more than perform at halftime of games. The Sonic Boom of the South is one of the most in-demand acts in the music industry today, performing at multiple NFL halftime shows, the Motown 30th anniversary special, and was the surprise guest for the opening night of Drake and J. Cole’s It’s All A Blur — Big as the What? Tour.
“Everything kind of just started happening in slow motion. Everybody started coming and started cheering me on and was just really excited that I was going to be the next drum major,” Ariel Woods told Brooklyn Joyner of 19 WAPT News in Jackson, Mississippi.
“I’m getting the crowd hyped. I’m getting the crowd riled up. I’m getting people excited for the band and the football team… A drum major is someone who is a natural born leader, someone who has a real passion to lead the others and make concrete decisions,” Woods continued in the interview.
Ariel Woods is the first woman to be a drum major for the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South since DeyShaun Roberts held the role in 2017, where she was the first woman drum major since 2006.
“I’m a figure for women. I’m a figure for little girls coming up who are in band and who want to be in this position as a drum major,” Woods told WAPT news.
Becoming one of the leaders of the Sonic Boom wasn’t an easy process for Ariel Woods. With no previous ties to Jackson State University of the Sonic Boom of the South, Woods became enamored with the HBCU band by watching videos on YouTube and decided that she wanted to become part of the band history at Jackson State.
“This position is something I’ve been dreaming about for the last seven years now. I’ve always had doubts along the way, but I never gave up. I never said I can’t do this… This is my second time trying out to be a drum major, so it’s nothing short of an honor. It’s nothing short of a blessing being placed in this position as a woman. I just know how prestigious this is. It’s not something that I really can just put into words.”
Something Woods was able to put into words was her desire to further the legacy of female drum majors, “I really want to instill more women being in these prestigious and male-dominant roles because I just love seeing women and female drum majors in middle schools, colleges, and universities.”
HBCU band names fourth woman in its history as drum major
Introducing Ariel Woods, the fourth woman to lead the legendary HBCU band, the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South.
hbcugameday.com
The Sonic Boom Selects
JSU Senior Ariel Woods makes history being selected as JSU's fourth female drum major since 2017
www.wapt.com
bernard
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bernard
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Sonic Boom of the South: How Jackson State’s Band Helped Shape Music Mogul Cortez Bryant
Cortez Bryant, one of the music industry’s most respected executives and the force behind the rise of Lil Wayne and Drake, is back at Jackson State University (JSU)—not as a student, but as an educator. Known for his dynamic approach to nurturing artists, Bryant credits much of his success to the foundation he built at Jackson State, especially as a member of the iconic Sonic Boom of the South marching band. That experience, shaped by the scholarship that brought him to JSU, was transformative, immersing him in a world of ideas, connections, and leadership that would launch him from his New Orleans roots to the top ranks of the music industry.The Sonic Boom of the South isn’t just a band; it’s an institution within HBCU culture. It's renowned for electrifying performances, impeccable choreography, and a brass section that leaves audiences in awe. The band has showcased its talent alongside global superstars, including Beyoncé, Ciara, and most recently, Usher during the 2024 Super Bowl, solidifying its status as a beacon of HBCU pride and excellence. For Bryant, the band’s impact was profound, and he’s returned the favor by creating a $500,000 endowment to fund scholarships for future students, helping open doors as the program did for him.
Dr. Roderick Little, director of bands and a Jackson State alum, shares Bryant's dedication to shaping the next generation. Leading the Sonic Boom, he emphasized that his role goes beyond musicianship; it’s about mentorship. “It is nothing shorter than a blessing,” he reflected. “To come back and not only serve my alma mater but to guide students who remind me of myself when I was here—it’s a calling.” Little is committed to fostering well-rounded individuals, “I don’t take it lightly; it’s about ensuring these young people become reputable, successful members of the community.”
Now in his fourth year of teaching at Jackson State, Bryant brings a real-world edge to his classes, connecting students to industry insights and hands-on learning experiences that rarely reach beyond major entertainment hubs. With virtual guest appearances from stars like Drake and direct paths to internships, he’s opening unique opportunities for young talent. For Bryant, teaching is more than sharing knowledge; it’s about instilling the values and skills that propelled him from Sonic Boom’s percussion section to a premier role in music.
Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South and the Prancing J-Settes are now preparing to bring their storied legacy to the national stage at the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. A celebrated New Year’s Day tradition since 1890, the parade will give HBCU culture a global spotlight. As they embark on “Thee Road to Roses,” Jackson State welcomes contributions to support their journey, ensuring that HBCU excellence shines at one of the world’s most-watched events.
EBONY caught up with Cortez Bryant on the eve of homecoming season to discuss his love of teaching and giving back, the Sonic Boom, and more.
EBONY: The career moves you’ve orchestrated as an executive have been really exciting to witness. You have always mentioned how much the Jackson State Band scholarship you received changed your life. How does it feel to be back on campus in your fourth year as an educator?
Cortez Bryant: It's definitely the highlight of my days. Before [Lil] Wayne asked me to manage him, I was a mass communication major on my pathway to broadcast production. Jackson State’s journalism and mass communications department was centered around news. I was super pro-Black in my last couple of years and was looking at how the news was airing propaganda. During my last couple of years at Jackson State, I interned at Jumpstart. Jumpstart brought college kids into the Headstart classrooms, teaching four and five-year-olds. I got so much joy from education and teaching. It’s a full-circle moment for me. [Teaching] was something that I knew God wanted me to do back then. So, it was a full circle moment, coming back and being in the classroom. It’s definitely the most rewarding thing, outside of my son, that's happening in my life right now. Throughout my career, all of my decisions have been guided spiritually.
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bernard
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