Jackson State Rules on Hazing Case
September 30, 2009
Source: The Clarion Ledger
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About 27 Jackson State University marching band members could be suspended from school for two years, pending an appeals process this week.
JSU Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Life Marcus Chanay said judiciary hearings this week determined that the students — mostly members of the Sonic Boom of the South’s percussion section — had hazed freshman band members at an off-campus event Sept. 18.
The suspended students, including two former band members who are enrolled at JSU, have 24 hours to appeal the decision to Chanay’s office. The appeals process can take two days after that, he said.
During the two year suspension, students likely will not be able to enroll elsewhere because a hold will be put on their records. In fall 2011, they can ask to be reinstated at JSU.
New Orleans Artist introduces HBCU Band Art Collection
September 30, 2009
New Orleans band director paints tribute to HBCU Marching Bands
Down in the Big Easy while marching band programs are on their comeback to pre-katrina status, one music director is starting a comeback of his own. Frank Lewis III is painting a tribute to HBCU Marching Bands. ” Being a product of a great high school marching band of the 80s ( Nationally renowned St. Augustine Purple Knight Marching 100) and under probably the greatest high school director (Edwin Hampton), it was no second thought of what I wanted to do in life, be a Band Director and send music students to college.
Students should have the experience of marching in a HBCU band, and that is why I’ve decided to paint the HBCU Bands, and also because I have a great love for them. When you goto a game yes you go for the game but most really go for the excitement of halftime, I know I do.” “There is nothing more exciting then the bands at the game.” Frank Lewis III started painting the collection this summer and will continue until every HBCU is done. ” i’m looking to add maybe 2 or 3 a month until I have them all. It is so important to me to show tribute to these schools and their bands because they keep alot young african american men and woman in college and on the right path, that is what is so important.
I myself have alot of friends and associates who might not have gone to college if it wasn’t for HBCU bands. My goal is to sell enough posters where I can send or assist maybe 2 or 3 New Orleans music students to a HBCU college every year. We have to get more of our students in our HBCUs where people really care about them moving on in life and they are not just a number.”
Bands fill Jackson venue even without Sonic Boom
September 28, 2009
Word of the Sonic Boom of the South not performing at Sunday’s Southeast Regional Battle of the Bands did not stop music lovers from packing Jackson’s Veterans Memorial Stadium by the thousands.
Although advertised on the lineup, the renowned Jackson State University band did not perform. Its absence comes as the band deals with the suspension of dozens of members and allegations of hazing.
Still, a crowd of nearly 50,000 filled the stadium to hear area high school bands and musical artists Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris and others. Most who attended said its not the same without the "Boom."
"You can always expect their performance to be off the chain. For them to not be here is a big disappointment," said Brittany Harper of Florence, who was attending her fourth Battle of the Bands.
Outside the stadium, Donald Blackmon of Jackson and his friend debated whether the $20 price of admission was worth it without JSU.
Injured band member not pressing charges
September 24, 2009
The Jackson State University band student injured in an alleged hazing incident off campus is not filing charges against his fellow band members.
The alleged victim - a freshman Sonic Boom of the South member who suffered a fractured shoulder - has a year to change his mind, Jackson police Assistant Chief Lee Vance said.
"There’s not much more we can do without a complainant," Vance said Wednesday.
The 45 or so band members involved in the alleged hazing still face university sanctions, and are all members of the percussion section.
JSU President Ronald Mason said it’s unclear what the ultimate impact could be on the band.
"It’s hard to have a marching band without drums," he said.
The students have been suspended from the Sonic Boom indefinitely, pending a judicial hearing on campus next week.
JSU official says hazing incident involved paddling, beatings
September 23, 2009
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A judicial hearing will be held sometime next week for members of Jackson State University’s marching band who are accused in a hazing incident.
Marcus Chanay, JSU associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Life, said one of the 22 alleged victims in last week’s off-campus incident sustained a fractured shoulder. He said a university probe determined that underclassmen were paddled and beaten.
Chanay also said the Jackson Police Department is investigating. Chanay said about 45 members of the band will face allegations of hazing, school policy violations and assault and battery.
The exact date of the hearing hasn’t been set.
Former SU band members appear for sentencing
September 22, 2009
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Seven former Southern University marching band members will appear in court Tuesday for sentencing after their arrests in December 2008 on hazing charges for alleged activities that left two band members hospitalized.
Two of the former band members, Lagarian Bridgewater of Baton Rouge and Carlo-Andres Carter of Stone Mountain, GA, already pleaded no contest to criminal conspiracy to commit second-degree battery and misdemeanor hazing.
The other five are expected to enter the same pleas to the same charges and all are expected to be put on probation. The other band members arrested in the incident are Harvey Harrison of Atlanta, GA, Jeremy Dixon of Natchez, MS, Joseph Webb of Columbus, GA, Aubrey Harris Jr. of Canton, MS and Clifton Taylor of Baton Rouge. All seven were suspended by the university within days of their arrests.
Jackson State Bandsmen Suspended in Alledged Hazing Incident
September 22, 2009
Source: Jackson State University
(JACKSON, Miss.) — Up to 45 Jackson State University students have been suspended from the university’s marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, and may face additional disciplinary actions from the university following a recent off-campus hazing incident.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Jackson State Department of Public Safety released the results of its investigation to the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Life. Based on the office’s judiciary hearings, additional sanctions may be taken.
Because the event was determined to have happened off-campus, the case has been turned over to the Jackson Police Department.
“Hazing is against university policies and will not be tolerated,” said Marcus Chanay, Jackson State associate vice president of academic affairs and student life.
Chanay will be available at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, for questions. Interested media should report to the second floor of the Administration Tower on the 1400 John R. Lynch St. campus.
Band Brawl
September 15, 2009
At exactly 7:18 p.m. on Sept. 11, the A&T Blue and Gold Marching band stormed into Corbett Sports center arena to open up for the fifth annual band brawl against Norfolk State University. With the faces of band members squinted, instruments blaring, and choreography tight, the audience was on the edge of their seats in preparation for a massive show of musicianship and performance.
The competition speaks to a long history of collegiate rivalry between the North Carolina A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine and the Spartan Legion. Alumni from both universities, members of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, the national honorary band fraternity and sorority, former band members, families, staff and students were all in attendance. Everyone anticipated something spectacular.
Watch BALLOU Saturday, September 12 On BET.
September 12, 2009
Watch “BALLOU” on BET
Sep 12th at 4:30pm
Human Jukebox to perform at New Orleans Saints Season Opener.
September 12, 2009
Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band will be performing live Sunday, September 13, 2009’s Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints. Pre-Game and Halftime Entertainment.
From performing high-volume rhythm and blues, to playing flawless, show-stopping classics, from popular hip hop dance moves to precision drill steps, the Southern University Marching Band has achieved legendary status as one or the nation’s top college bands.
The Jaguars Marching Band has performed around the world, including performances for three United States presidential inaugurations, four Sugar Bowls and five Super Bowl appearances. The SU band has also appeared on several national television shows and an award-winning documentary by NFL Films.
This talented, world-traveled marching band is under the direction of Lawrence Jackson with assistants Carnell Knighten, Nathan Haymer and Lorenzo Hart.
