The Development of Marching Band Traditions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: The Human Jukebox versus the Sonic Boom of the South

by Claire Milburn

The college band experience at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) football game is electrifying. Big rivalries draw crowds to the stadium well before the game starts, enticing attendees with the “zero quarter,” a pre-game spectacle. Throughout the game bands croon melodies crafted to put the crowd on their feet. Despite the players exiting the field when the game is over, thousands of fans know to stick around for the “fifth quarter,” a post-game showcase of musicianship and power between bands. The fifth quarter may last well into the night since exiting the stadium first is taken as an admission of defeat. With this research I wanted to know: how did all of this begin?      

There are many HBCU bands worthy of study, but I focused on two that many agree have the most intense rivalry today: Jackson State University’s (JSU) “Sonic Boom of the South” and Southern University’s (SU) “Human Jukebox.” The directors I interviewed shared stories from their experiences as both students and staff in these programs. A favorite among these rich retellings was the infamous band battle following 1972’s SU v. Alcorn State University game, which paved the way for the creation of the fifth quarter. SU’s efforts to rehearse for an upcoming performance turned into a refusal to leave the stadium first, which unexpectedly spurred a band battle that one director said lasted long after the game was over. The tradition, according to these directors, took on its full form at the JSU v. SU game in 1995. Both bands stayed so long that security turned off the lights and locked them in the stadium. After this event- which one director deemed the “true” beginning of the fifth quarter- the tradition became a mainstay of the HBCU game day experience.  

Directors illustrated the price of these antics. After the SU v. JSU game in 1995, both bands had to pay fees for missed meals and unhappy bus drivers. However, the rivalry had become so important that some administrators were willing to pay the cost. “They paid the money and said, ‘thank you!’ Because they wanted to shut Southern down,” said JSU director Dr. Lewis Liddell, of his department chair at the time. As the tradition spread and schools incurred costs in security and electricity, however, schools started putting limits on fifth quarter battles. Today, many bands will agree to cut it off after about five songs per band. This is not to say that the competition has cooled. Instead, band directors have searched for other opportunities to play. This was the force behind creating the pre-game “zero quarter.” In searching for the birth of the zero quarter, JSU and SU stood out again. Their 1997 matchup marked the beginning of another tradition.   

The first “zero” quarter.

The directors’ interviews exhibited utmost mutual respect between the rival programs. Those from both schools commented that the desire to outplay one another has bettered their programs in the way that iron sharpens iron. I asked whether this competition had gone too far. Directors agreed that at times, yes, and pointed to YouTube as an important influence. Some positive results of increased video sharing included boosting recognition and recruitment. On the other hand, video sharing through social media such as YouTube made fans more demanding. Fans demand more new music and more shock factor. In finding a way to deliver this shock factor, SU director Mr. Kedric Taylor shared: “We sometimes get to a point where we go too far. Too much … it’s like putting hot sauce on everything.” Directors agreed that at times, it is difficult to maintain the musical integrity of their programs while catering to fans on the internet. The marching bands could not be more popular, but the driving force behind their success- the concert and symphonic bands- receive little attention by comparison. Put more succinctly, JSU director Lowell Hollinger said, “marching band is not all that we do.”

This research shows the development of some traditions now common among HBCU marching band programs. It is far from a comprehensive study in this under-researched field. It is my hope this research pays a small tribute to these cherished band directors and spurs related projects.

Article Details
The Development of Marching Band Traditions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: The Human Jukebox versus the Sonic Boom of the South
Claire Milburn
First Published April 13, 2022 Research Article
DOI: 10.1177/15366006221081883
Journal of Historical Research in Music Education

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