Jackson State University Sonic Boom Band suspension lifted

Photo: JSU Sonic Boom of the South Band member does fire routine during half-time performance.

By LaRaye Brown, Clarion Ledger

Alleged hazing amounts to sit ups

The JSU Sonic Boom marching band will be allowed to perform at the university's Saturday football game against Southern after university officials lifted a suspension prompted by hazing allegations.

Two days after suspending the Sonic Boom of the South, Jackson State University announced it has reversed the decision and will allow the band to perform at Saturday's game against rival Southern University.

The 280-member band was suspended Tuesday after parents and non-members raised hazing allegations.

"Some students were required to do sit ups and crunches if they did not perform their musical parts or marching routine correctly," Velvelyn Foster, vice president of academic affairs and student life, said in a news release. "We also found that some members of the band might have felt pressure because of the high expectation of excellence required of band members."

Lee Shields, a senior trombone player, said he and other members have done 25 to 50 push ups for being late to practice and other things. He said it’s not hazing.

“It’s the honor system,” Shields said. “You know you messed up. There really isn’t any other consequence for it other than you messed up the show.”

The band, which draws high school musicians from across the country, competes at football games with other university show bands. It has performed internationally and on national television, including the NAACP Image Awards.