JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson State University’s (JSU) Sonic Boom of the South welcomed the Tournament of Roses president to campus on Friday, April 5.

The marching band has won many awards, competed in many competitions, and recently performed in front of millions during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. One thing the Sonic Boom has yet to accomplish is marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

“When I heard the band, the Sonic Boom of the South perform, and it was last summer we all met at Tournament House in Pasadena, and we reviewed their band. My first question was how many times have they been in the Rose Parade? And when I found out that number was zero, I was shocked,” said Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales. “So, I’m with you. They should be.”

Former band member, now turned Associate Director of Bands, Kevan Johnson said that it’s amazing to see the rich history of the Sonic Boom and hard work of the current band members pave the way for such a special moment.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to just be a part of what’s going on with the band right now. I’m a former member of the band, as well. So, just to see when we were in the band, we were able to stand on great shoulders as band members. And these students are just taking all of that to the levels that we couldn’t even imagine. So, just being able to see them kind of ascend to this level, they work really, really hard, and, you know, we’re just grateful to have such an amazing group of kids and happy that they’re genuine hard work is paying off,” said Johnson.

Several factors go into the selection of choosing bands to partake in the parade, but Morales said the Sonic Boom was at the top of the list.

“We look at music excellence, we look at showmanship, we look at diversity. And, you know,
Jackson State was on the top of the list from the minute we saw the videotapes. It was pretty exceptional. I think across the board, the music committee, along with my wife, Lisa,
and I were very impressed, and they were selected through that process,” he said.

The Sonic Boom of the South is now preparing for the 136th Rose Parade in 2025. They plan to host several fundraisers. The band is accepting donations online.