Ariel Woods has made history by becoming the drum major for Jackson State University’s esteemed 300-member band, the Sonic Boom of the South. The senior was selected to join the Jackson Five, a group that will lead the Sonic Boom during the 2024–25 academic year.
Woods expressed her excitement to WAPT, saying, “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.”
As a trailblazer known as “Her,” Woods has come a long way to become the fourth female drum major to lead JSU’s band, with the last woman to hold the title serving in 2017.
Originally from Dallas, Woods had no prior ties to the historically Black college and university (HBCU) before enrolling at Jackson State. However, after watching their performance videos online, she became captivated by the band and joined after falling in love with their big band sound.
Since 2021, Sonic Boom has been one of the most sought-after and followed HBCU bands. According to Black Enterprise, Woods is now part of a remarkable legacy that began in the 1940s, establishing the band as one of the top in the country.
Expressing her disbelief at being chosen to lead the band, Woods said, “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 succeeds DeyShaun Roberts, the first female drum major at the HBCU since 2006, who held the title in 2017.
Woods emphasized her role as a role model, stating, “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 in these prestigious and male-dominated roles because I just love seeing women and female drum majors in middle schools, colleges, and universities.”
Describing herself as “someone who is a natural-born leader, someone who has a real passion to lead others and make concrete decisions,” Woods is ready to take on her responsibilities as drum major.
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