Dr. Roderick D. Little is a nationally recognized music educator, conductor, arranger, composer, and administrator who currently serves as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Jackson State University. A proud native of Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Little is a three-time graduate of Jackson State University, earning his Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of music education— particularly within urban and underserved communities.

Raised in a deeply musical family, Dr. Little’s journey began long before his professional career. As a student at JSU, he performed in multiple ensembles and became a standout member of the world-famous Sonic Boom of the South, where he served as a snare drummer, a member of the elite Jackson Five Drum Major Squad, a student arranger, and student conductor of the Symphonic Band. He studied percussion under Dr. Owen Rockwell—his predecessor at JSU—and carried forward that legacy into his own teaching and leadership.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Dr. Little returned to his alma mater, Lanier High School, where he served as Director of Bands. Under his leadership, the program earned excellent and superior ratings, produced Mississippi All-State Lions Band members, and achieved national visibility through televised performances and media features. His tenure at Lanier was marked by academic mentorship, a 100% graduation rate for seniors, and recognition including Teacher of the Month, Music Educator of the Year, and multiple district honors.

In 2012, Dr. Little joined the faculty of Jackson State University as Assistant Band Director and Instructor of Music. He was promoted to Associate Director of Bands in 2013, Director of the Marching Band in 2015, and ultimately Director of Bands in 2020. Across these roles, he has modernized and expanded the JSU Band Program through strategic leadership, innovative pedagogy, and a forward-thinking embrace of technology. His initiatives include:

• Launching the Sonic Boom Media Team and elevating JSU’s national digital presence

• Implementing major technology upgrades such as UDB, BAND App, MakeMusic, and BandWindow

• Establishing recruitment pipelines through Summer High School Band Camp, A Day With the Boom, and regional outreach events

• Securing new rehearsal facilities, major grants, sponsorships, and over $500,000 in fundraising and donor support

• Leading the program through the COVID-19 pandemic with virtual instruction, digital performances, and national media features

As drill writer for the Sonic Boom of the South, Dr. Little has produced numerous historic field shows. His “Saints Halftime Show – Salute to the Veterans” was selected for performance at the CBDNA-NBC Southern Division Conference, marking the first appearance in school history.

His arrangements and compositions have been performed by university ensembles, high schools,

community groups, and national organizations. His 2025 wind ensemble work, “The Little Feet March,” has already been programmed by multiple collegiate ensembles.

Dr. Little is also a prolific clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, having served in Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, California, and beyond. His expertise spans marching band, concert band, percussion, arranging, drill design, and urban music education. His scholarship includes contributions to School Band & Orchestra Magazine, Magnolia Band Magazine, Kendall Hunt Publishing, and the HBCU Experience book series.

His leadership has propelled the JSU Band Program to unprecedented national visibility, including appearances at:

• Super Bowl LVIII

• Coachella with Travis Scott

• 136th Tournament of Roses Parade

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

• ESPN, Good Morning America, The Real, NBATV, Amazon’s Coach Prime, Andscape, Southern Living, Washington Post, and more

Dr. Little’s administrative portfolio includes budgeting, recruitment, curriculum development, staff supervision, risk management, assessment, and strategic planning. He has significantly expanded diversity and inclusion within the program, increasing Hispanic and Latino representation by 50% and supporting LGBTQ+ students through intentional culture-building.

A respected member of the professional community, Dr. Little holds affiliations with NAfME, PAS, MBA, MAE, CBDNA, and the HBCU-NBDC. He is widely regarded as a leading voice in urban music education, program development, and HBCU band culture.

Dr. Little is married to Lynise Little, whom he met in the Sonic Boom of the South. Together, they made history as the first couple to present a joint recital at JSU, blending classical and contemporary jazz traditions. They have two sons, Aiden and Alec Little.

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