By Rachel James-Terry
It seemed like everyone throughout the country was talking about Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South’s performance in the 136th annual Rose Parade presented by Honda. The New Year’s Day event attracted more than 800,000 spectators, who lined the streets and millions tuned in from their living rooms. The Tournament of Roses is not just a parade; it’s a global phenomenon.
Televised on NBC, ABC, and networks spanning Armenia, the Caribbean and Latin America — not to mention the American Forces Network — it connects audiences across continents. The iconic event even commands ticket prices soaring up to $135, underscoring its eminence. And yet, amid this major spectacle, one thing was certain, the Sonic Boom set THEE Standard.
“I was extremely excited to have received the news that we were selected. It was somewhat around the same time I found out we were selected to participate in the Super Bowl, so I thought that it’ll be a great way to begin (Super Bowl) and end the year. What an amazing opportunity for our students, campus community and state,” said Director of Bands Roderick Little, Ph.D.
Attendees held up the number 10 on their score cards as the J5 drum majors led the Boom in an exercise of precision and showmanship down the 5.5-mile route without missing a beat. The Prancing J-Settes followed with their signature bucking style; fringe flying, rhinestoned Nancy boots gleaming, and high kicks that extended toward the sun.

Director of the Prancing J-Settes Chloe Crowley explained that their preparation was slightly different than their typical performances. “The J-Settes run 2 miles about two to three times a week during football season as part of their physical training. The Tournament of Roses Parade is 5.5 miles, so we increased the physical training, as well as added a few new pieces of choreography to our repertoire to stay true to our motto of being the ‘Thrill of a Billion Eyes,’” she said.

And thrill they did, based on the stares of disbelief, applause, shouts and cheers from the audience all signified that the Sonic Boom was a feast for the senses.
Executive Administrative Assistant to the Sonic Boom Courtney Lett shared her thoughts while walking the parade route alongside the Boom.
“The fact that we were able to perform and leave a lasting impression on people that had never heard of us was absolutely magical. I could see up-close how it made the crowd feel. Yes, people tell us how much they love the program and how big of a fan they are, but to actually see that excitement and love was indescribable. The students received so many compliments for how amazing they looked, sounded, and how well disciplined they were and all I could do was smile,” she shared.
The magical moment Lett described all began with an email that would change everything. On September 13, 2023, the subject line read: “Welcome to the Tournament of Roses 2025 Rose Parade presented by Honda.”
For Little, it was the culmination of a leap of faith. Just months earlier, on May 12, 2023, he had submitted the application for the Sonic Boom of the South, fueled by a vision but unsure of the reality. And then it happened, the Boom would be the sole HBCU band selected to perform in Pasadena, California, on the world’s stage.
Among the students, there appeared to be an air of excitement and unflappable energy. It was almost as if the magnitude of the moment had yet to register. Still, they understood the experience would be magical.
“What I’m looking forward to most is doing the parade at Disneyland. Because I was able to go to Disney World like the year before in Orlando. And just going there just with my parents, I was literally thinking, ‘Wow, what if I went here with the band?’ This would just be like an amazing opportunity,” said Ariel Woods, the fourth female to serve as a coveted J5 drum major in the Sonic Boom’s history.
Disney has a way of evoking a sense of wonder. The tagline “The Most Magical Place on Earth” resonates deeply, and for those who visit, it becomes more than a phrase—it’s a feeling. That seems to be exactly the kind of magic Woods, a Dallas native, anticipates experiencing. But this time, it’s not just about Disney. For Woods, who graduates in Fall 2025, it’s an opportunity to create memories with her peers.
“Just having that feeling and then going [there] with the band as well is going to be something that’s very memorable,” explained Woods, whose admiration for the 300-member HBCU marching band was sparked by YouTube videos showcasing its unmistakable sound and theatricality.
As a Hollywood, Florida, high schooler, Jorge DeValle watched the Sonic Boom perform in the Orange Blossom Classic. Inspired by their energy and sound, the sophomore made a decision to become a member of the “legendary” band. So, he took a chance, auditioned and earned his spot.
“It’s been amazing. It’s been more than what I expected already in my first year. It’s like everything I thought it was going to be times a hundred,” DeValle shared.
Initially, he assumed that band life would revolve around athletic events and a few fun times. But what he encountered was something far richer and more meaningful than what he imagined.
“I didn’t realize that, you know, the Boom, it’s more than just the football games. It’s more than the performances. It’s the family that we make in the band. That’s what I really love. Like, I have this giant almost 300-piece family that I can rely on,” he said.
Delvalle, a first-year band student, who affectionately calls his home state “paradise,” admitted he knew very little about the West Coast and was looking forward to exploring what he described as “paradise flip flopped.”
Little was intentional in curating an itinerary that blended education with cultural experiences, ensuring students could soak up some California Love.
“So often whenever we take students off campus it’s solely to perform for someone other(‘s) benefit and entertainment pleasure, however, I didn’t want this trip to be just about performing, and I wanted the students to feel that they were somewhat on vacation to show our appreciation for their hard work,” Little shared.
From a Day with the Boom in Inglewood to a trip to Santa Monica Pier and Warner Brother Studies, throw in Bandfest at Pasadena Community College, sprinkle in a Disneyland Parade and the grand spectacle of the Rose Parade, the visit seemed like it could not be any more unimaginable, especially for some students who had never flown before.
For Del Valle, a self-proclaimed gamer, the highlight of the visit would be Santa Monica Pier. “You see it in movies. You see it in video games. I’ve been playing the video games and watching the movies,” he said with a shy laugh. “I don’t even need a map when I go over there. I’m just super excited not only, you know, to see the place, but you know, I heard that California is a very vibrant environment and vibrant community. And that’s something I really thrive on.”
“Going Going Back Back to Cali, Cali’
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Adrian Sanchez wanted to show his parents what he’s been accomplishing since relocating to the South to join the Sonic Boom. Growing up in a region where Historically Black Colleges and Universities are few and far between, Adrian first discovered the “Summa Cum Laude of Bands” while researching marching bands on YouTube.
“I’m like, ‘How funny would it be? You know, me, a kid from Orange County going all the way to the South to perform with an HBCU. That’d be interesting.’ And lo and behold, I’m here,” he said.
Adrian’s father Daniel Sanchez admitted to having a mixed response about his son’s ambition to audition for the Boom. While he had no doubts about Adrian’s musical talents, he recognized the magnitude of the challenge, describing the Boom as “a different beast.”
“I’m like, ‘Alright, alright. Okay. Help him, God, you know, help him,’” Daniel Sanchez said, chuckling at the memory. “I hope he has what it takes.”
That hope turned to pride when Adrian made the band during his second audition in Jackson, Mississippi.

“As soon as he did everything, it was like, there’s your contract, you’re in. I was like, oh, my God,” he said, his voice flooded with emotion. “You know, I, I’m sorry. I’m going to get teary. Yeah, it was great.”
So great, in fact, that Daniel Sanchez, his wife Naida, and their two daughters – Adrian’s sisters – woke up at midnight on New Year’s Day to drive from Anaheim to Pasadena. Determined to secure a good viewing spot, they arrived at 2:30 a.m. ready to see Adrian perform with the “Summa Cum Laude of Bands” in the Rose Parade.
They were not alone. Along the six-mile route, there were others searching for seats in the wee hours of the morning. People were camped out in sleeping bags, air mattresses and bundled in layers of clothing. Soon after their arrival, the Sanchez family found the perfect spot.
“We wrapped ourselves around with some blankets and kind of dozed off for a bit. As soon as it was eight o’clock, we saw him on the [jumbotron]. We’re like, alright. An hour later he passed by,” he said, his voice swelled with pride. “It was so quick, but it was so awesome. It was, I don’t know. It’s unexplainable to see your kid in that moment. And it was, it was great. It was so worth it. For sure.”

The experience was so much more than a proud parental moment. It brought Daniel Sanchez’s own musical journey full circle. A self-taught musician, he once toured the country playing bass in a band, performing in cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco and San Diego – though mostly the Los Angeles scene. Once he discovered he was the only member not getting paid, Daniel Sanchez quit the group. He had just proposed to Naida and shifted his attention to preparing to be a husband and planning for a family.
Now, his love for music lives on through Adrian.
For Adrian, the trip was a chance to connect his HBCU experience with his California roots. “It was surreal, but in a good way. Like, it felt nice to show everyone my home state and my home region. So, I would say that it was surreal. It was a surreal experience,” he said.
The Boom’s visit also included stops at Warner Bros. Studios and a dynamic showing in the Disneyland Parade. Based on the crowd reactions, many were impressed with the Sonic Boom as they rhythmically marched through the home of Mickey and Minnie.
One Disneyland employee, Alondra, could not contain her excitement. “Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South was one of the best performances I’ve seen while working here. I loved you guys so much. You guys were so entertaining to watch. You guys have such good energy. It was literally beautiful. I loved it so much.”
Little explained why he was so intentional about the students’ five-day itinerary.
“It was also important to me that they not only visit a major tourist state but also partake within the entire culture and attractions that it had to offer in hopes to broaden their scope as young adults and future leaders within our society. It would’ve been tragic not to allow and afford them those opportunities.”
“And here I am”
Del Valle stood underneath the Pacific Park arch on the Santa Monica Pier. Dressed casually and hanging out with a few bandmates, he looked like a college student enjoying his downtime after the Boom rocked the house at the annual Pasadena City College Bandfest. The event, known for offering a preview of the bands featured in the Rose Parade, was one of the highlights of their trip.

“It’s been crazy. Overwhelming, but in a good way. The culture here is really, really diverse. No matter what I’ve seen and like, been around, all of it has been extremely welcoming. Even the welcome party when we were getting off the plane,” said DelValle, referencing a group of JSU alumni who greeted the students and staff as they deplaned on the LAX tarmac.
“Like no matter how many times it happens, it still baffles me. Like, these people are here for us and we’re performing for them. And they, they love it, you know?” he asked almost as if he was talking to himself.
Of all the places DelValle visited in California, he enjoyed the landscape the most. He recalled being awestruck during their visit to the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena.
“The scenery there was absolutely amazing. Like, you know, I’d never seen mountains before so something as simple as that, it was just, it was crazy. Like, wow. It looked fake,” he said.
Another “cool” moment of the trip came during the Day With the Boom event, where high school students got to watch the band perform and even play alongside them. The experience left a deep impression on DelValle.
“My favorite part was seeing the sparkles in the kids’ eyes,” he said, his voice softening. “When we played for them and were walking out, they had that look of ambition in their eyes. Like, I want to be that one day. Like, I love this,” he said.
If Del Valle could give any advice to students vying to be in Boom, he would tell them:
“Keep on trying. No matter how hard it gets, no matter what trials and tribulations come, you can push through. Anything is possible. Because I didn’t think I was going to be in California today. And here I am,” he said with a smile.
“Perpetual State of Readiness”
The Boom has just finished the 5.5-mile trek of the Rose Parade. The students, though drenched in sweat and visibly tired, exude an infectious energy. There is a palpable sense of accomplishment in the California air that swirls against a backdrop of majestic mountains.
“I feel so proud of my students. It is very rare that I get real emotional. But I can say today I got emotional probably two times, you know, when I watched the band and, you know, seeing their tenacity, seeing their grit, seeing their persistence throughout the parade route,” Little shared. You know, just seeing that fire in their eyes and everything that we taught them being manifested and coming to fruition. I’m just overall proud of our students and the job that they did to represent themselves and the university.”
When it came to preparation for the Rose Parade, Little explained that the Sonic Boom stays in a perpetual state of readiness. “The students are typically always ready to perform, but for the parade in particular, we rehearsed for two days. So, we had Christmas break, and then we came back the day after Christmas on the 26th. And so roughly about two days of practice for the parade,” he explained.

For Woods, who is set to graduate in Fall 2025, marching in front of millions was “jaw dropping.”
“It feels very rewarding to represent for not only Jackson State University but all HBCUs because I could visually see the excitement on everyone’s faces as we passed by them,” she said. “To see people of all backgrounds come together and smile ear to ear from the enjoyment of our performance was the best way to start the year!”
Aside from his music staff, Dr. Little would like to expressly thank the following:
JSU President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., Rico Chapman, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Lisa Beckley-Roberts, Ph.D., chair of the music department, Denise Gregory, Ph.D., provost and vice president of Academic Affairs; the Division of Institutional Advancement, University Communications, JSU alumni and the countless people who supported the Boom’s journey on the Road to Roses.