Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom has chosen Ariel Woods as their 4th female drum major.

Jackson State University senior hopes to inspire more women and girls in band to step into the drum major role, traditionally led by men.

Jackson State University has chosen Ariel Woods as the fourth woman to serve as drum major for its historic 300-member band, the Sonic Boom of the South.

Since 2021, the Sonic Boom has become the most popular and followed HBCU band, and now Ariel Woods will lead the ensemble as one of the “Jackson Five” drum majors for the 2024-2025 season. Founded in the 1940s, the band is recognized as one of the nation’s best, and Woods will be part of this incredible legacy during her senior year. “Everything started happening in slow motion,” Woods told 16 WAPT. “This is a position I’ve dreamed about for the past seven years.” She has been flooded with congratulations from people excited to see her in this role.

Although she faced doubts along the way, giving up was never an option for Ariel Woods. After an unsuccessful first attempt at becoming drum major, she secured her spot among the leading five on her second try. “I’m here to hype up the crowd, get everyone excited for the band and the football team,” she said. Woods knows that being a drum major isn’t just about the music—it requires the passion and leadership skills to motivate others and make tough decisions.

Ariel Woods, originally from Dallas, Texas, had no prior connection to Jackson State University before enrolling as a student. She discovered the Sonic Boom of the South by watching videos online and was captivated by the band’s intricate precision marching. This inspired her to join their legacy. Woods now follows in the footsteps of Jackson State alum DeyShaun Roberts, who became the first female drum major at the university since 2006. Woods, honored to be the fourth woman in this role, hopes to inspire young girls to pursue drum major positions and attract more women to the traditionally male-dominated role in bands at all levels.

As announced on Sonic Boom’s official Instagram, Ariel Woods joins Christian Houghton, Devin Ard, Jared Coleman, and Desi Jenkins as this year’s “Jackson Five” drum majors.