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The “baddest band in the land,” Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South, presents its 2nd annual High School Battle of the Bands on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Boom will host 12 high school bands from throughout the southern region.
JSU’s Director of Bands Roderick Little, Ph.D. said his decision to bring back the Battle of the Bands after the pandemic would help fuel the renaissance happening in Jackson.
“With the recent uptick in the excitement surrounding Jackson State, I want to bring back the entertainment value to band programs as well,” Little explained. The relevance behind showcasing the talents of high school groups, which does not happen quite often, is a great opportunity to display their talents.”
The director pointed out that there will be no collegiate band groups without high school band groups. He further described the event as an excellent recruitment tool for JSU and an attraction for the capital city; others seem to agree.
“I feel this is a great opportunity for the kids to see that the Boom is here to represent and that we are the best of the best bands in the land,” said Marvin Meda, head drum major for the Sonic Boom.
Music lovers will be able to enjoy field and stand performances from the following bands:
- Central High School – Memphis, Tennessee
- Cleveland Central High School- Cleveland, Mississippi
- Jim Hill High School – Jackson, Mississippi
- Jonesboro High School – Jonesboro, Georgia
- Lake Charles College Prep – Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Edna Karr High School- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Murrah High School – Jackson, Mississippi
- New Manchester High School – Douglasville, Georgia
- Northwestern Miami High School – Miami, Florida
- Skyline High School – Dallas, Texas
- Westover High School – Albany, Georgia
- Whitehaven, High School – Memphis, Tennessee
Sonic Boom band members and staff are anticipating the electrifying experience to be a sell-out event for fans of all ages.
Gates open at 1 p.m., and the event starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are available online for $25 and $35 at the gate.