ENSEMBLES
Marching Band “The Sonic Boom of the South"
The “Sonic Boom” has performed many halftime appearances for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals; a television special for Motown 30th Anniversary and the 34th NAACP Image Awards, with a special guest performance by “Cedric the Entertainer.” The band is a favored entry in halftime performances during football season as well as for parades across Mississippi and in other states. The Jackson State University Marching Band was dubbed “The Sonic Boom of the South” in 1971 by students in the band. In 1974, the band’s theme, “Get Ready,” an old Motown favorite was selected, and three years after that, the “Tiger Run-On” was perfected. The “Tiger Run-On” is a fast, eye-catching shuffle that blends an adagio step with an up-tempo shuffle, then back to adagio—a “Sonic Boom” trademark that brings fans to their feet during halftime performances.
The Jackson State University Marching Band provides music for athletic events, selected parades, and ceremonial occasions primarily during the Fall Semester. Also, as an academic class, the marching band provides a laboratory experience for music education majors. Currently, the band 300-members Jackson State University Marching Band; “The Sonic Boom of the South,” backed by a Legendary drum line nicknamed “War and Thunder,” led by the Jackson Five Drum Majors, and the high-stepping Prancing J-Settes (Dance Line).
Vision
While maintaining the rich traditions of the program and propelling it forward, we will strive to be one of the top music programs in the nation that fosters effective thinkers, high character, active learners, proficient musicians and future alumni.
Mission
To create a positive culture of people/musicians through the medium of music while being the leaders in band pageantry, discipline, and musicality as a result of staying true to our band pledge (We pledge to serve as ambassadors of goodwill for Jackson State University; presenting ourselves as a showcase of musical excellence, elegance, esprit de corps and dignity. Love the Boom!)
Pep Band
The Pep Band is organized during the Spring Semester to provide music and to enhance the festive activities of athletic events. The group performs primarily at basketball games and other community events. has
WE HAVE MORE THAN OUR BELOVED SONIC BOOM!
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble (Band) is the premier performing ensemble of the Jackson State University band program. The Wind Ensemble consists of talented students majoring in music and other disciplines throughout the University. The Wind Ensemble performs a wide range of orchestral transcriptions and original band compositions representing various musical styles and periods. Emphasis, however, is placed on the standard and contemporary band literature. The ensemble is only offered during the Fall & Spring Semester.
Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band is organized at the close of the football season. The Symphonic Band is open to all qualified students at Jackson State University who are interested in the study and performance of the literature for the concert and symphonic bands. All marching band members not participating in the Wind Ensemble or Orchestra are required to enroll in the Concert Band Class during the Spring Semester. The ensemble is only offered during the Fall & Spring Semester.
Concert Band
Concert Band is organized at the close of the football season. The Concert Band is open to all qualified students at Jackson State University who are interested in the study and performance of the literature for the concert and symphonic bands. All marching band members not participating in the Symphonic Band or Orchestra are required to enroll in the Concert Band Class during the Spring Semester. The Concert Band Class is only offered during the Spring Semester.
Woodwind Ensemble
The woodwind ensemble is a performance organization designed to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of repertoire specifically for woodwind instruments. The ensemble consists of music and non-music majors.
Brass Ensemble
The Brass ensemble is a performance organization designed to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of repertoire specifically for Brass instruments. The ensemble consists of music and non-music majors.
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble is a performance organization designed to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of repertoire specifically for percussion instruments. The ensemble consists of music and non-music majors.