Ariel Woods has assumed her position as the drum major for Jackson State University’s renowned 300-piece band, the Sonic Boom of the South. The senior at JSU was chosen to be a member of the Jackson Five, which will spearhead the Sonic Boom in the 2024–25 academic year.
Woods told WAPT, “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.”
The trailblazer, also known as “Her,” has advanced a long way to become the fourth female drum major to lead JSU’s band. The last female drum major was in 2017.
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Woods, a Dallas native, had no prior connection to the HBCU when she came to Jackson State. But after seeing their videos online, she developed a strong interest in the group and joined after learning to love the big band sound.
Sonic Boom has been the most sought-after and followed HBCU band in the roster since 2021. According to Black Enterprise, Woods gets to be a part of a tremendous legacy in the historic band, which started in the 1940s and is acknowledged as one of the top in the country.
The pacesetter expressed her shock at being selected to lead the band, saying, “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.”
She takes over from DeyShaun Roberts, the HBCU’s first female drum major since 2006, who held the position in 2017.
Woods remarked, “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.”
She added, “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.”
Woods, who describes herself as “someone who is a natural-born leader, someone who has a real passion to lead the others and make concrete decisions,” is prepared to assume her duty as drum major.
