Ariel Woods, a senior at Jackson State University, has made history by becoming the first female drum major for the Sonic Boom of the South since 2017. Known affectionately as “Her,” Woods was selected to join the prestigious group of five drum majors known as the “Jackson Five” for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
“Everything kind of just started happening in slow motion,” Woods told WAPT 16, reflecting on her historic achievement. “Everybody started coming and started cheering me on and was just really excited that I was going to be the next drum major.”
Woods is the fourth woman in JSU’s history to lead the Sonic Boom. She found videos of the band on YouTube seven years ago, but getting to this full-circle moment was not easy. The Dallas native faced challenges during her first audition, where she failed. “This is my second time trying out to be a drum major, so it’s nothing short of an honor,” she explained. “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.”
Leading, Energizing, and Inspiring
As a drum major, Woods looks forward to energizing crowds at football games and during performances. “I’m getting the crowd hyped; I’m getting the crowd riled up,” she said. “I’m getting people excited for the band and the football team.”
Woods aims to inspire young girls in band programs in her new role. “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 said.
The Sonic Boom of the South is renowned for its halftime performances and appearances at high-profile events, including the inaugurations of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and NBA All-Star games.
“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,” Woods said.
Woods is excited to continue the legacy of female drum majors.