In a move as historic as it is inspirational, Jamal “J.T.” Thompson—former head drum major of the University of Tennessee’s acclaimed Pride of the Southland Band—has been named the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) first-ever Director of Band Development. As the conference charts a new path of cultural ambassadorship and musical innovation, Thompson’s appointment signals an intentional shift toward global outreach, diversity, and a deeper commitment to the arts across the collegiate sports landscape. His first major initiative? Launching the SEC Global Music Exchange Program in Africa—a transformative cultural and educational project that bridges southern tradition and international rhythm.
A Leader Born of Tradition and Innovation
For fans of Tennessee athletics and lovers of collegiate marching band pageantry, Jamal Thompson is a household name. Known for his high-stepping authority, magnetic field presence, and awe-inspiring leadership during gameday halftime performances, “J.T.” redefined what it meant to be a drum major in the 21st century.
Thompson, a Nashville native and the first African American to serve as lead drum major for the Pride of the Southland Band in consecutive seasons (2021–2023), became a symbol of excellence, cultural pride, and forward-thinking leadership. His performances were not just choreographed traditions but carefully orchestrated messages of unity, discipline, and the celebration of musical excellence.
Following his graduation with a double major in music performance and international studies, Thompson stayed connected to the band world—leading clinics, consulting for high school band programs across the southeast, and working with cultural outreach organizations. His charismatic teaching style and global outlook made him a natural fit for broader leadership.
The SEC’s Vision for Music Beyond the Gridiron
While the SEC is universally recognized for its dominance in collegiate athletics—especially football—it has also been home to some of the most storied and influential marching bands in the country. From Alabama’s Million Dollar Band to LSU’s Golden Band from Tigerland, these ensembles bring passion and tradition to every stadium they grace.
Recognizing this cultural force, the SEC has, for the first time in its history, created the Director of Band Development position to elevate, standardize, and globally promote its musical arm. This bold initiative was championed by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who spoke about the role’s potential during the announcement.
“Our bands are more than halftime entertainment—they are cultural ambassadors,” Sankey stated. “Jamal Thompson’s leadership, energy, and visionary ideas will bring SEC band culture into global conversations and inspire a new generation of musicians around the world.”
The SEC Global Music Exchange: Africa at the Heart
The centerpiece of Thompson’s first year in the role is the launch of the SEC Global Music Exchange Program, starting with pilot initiatives in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Designed to be a reciprocal program, the exchange will send SEC band students and directors abroad to learn from African musical traditions while also welcoming African youth and music leaders to participate in SEC band camps and performances.
Set to officially launch in December 2025, the exchange will include:
- Instrument Donation Drives: SEC schools will collect and refurbish gently used brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments to be donated to music schools and community bands in underserved areas.
- Student Ambassador Residencies: Top student musicians from SEC bands will travel to Africa for 2–4 week immersive residencies, studying traditional African music, drumming, and dance while teaching American marching band styles.
- Cultural Showcase Tours: Musicians from Ghanaian and Nigerian conservatories will be invited to perform and collaborate during SEC Championship events, beginning with the 2026 SEC Basketball Tournament in Nashville.
- Curriculum Collaboration: SEC band directors will work alongside African music educators to co-create curricula that blend African and Southern American traditions for future teaching modules.
Thompson emphasized the importance of mutual exchange rather than charity: “This is not about the SEC giving and others receiving. This is about building bridges—sharing and learning together. African music is foundational to what American music is today. We’re bringing that full circle.”
Tennessee Pride: Vol Nation Reacts with Joy
Back home in Knoxville, where Thompson earned the love and respect of thousands during his tenure as drum major, the announcement sparked celebration. University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman released a statement praising the move:
“J.T. Thompson exemplifies the very best of Tennessee—leadership, heart, and global citizenship. The Pride of the Southland will always be his home, and now, his voice will carry the music of the SEC across continents.”
Dr. Michael Stewart, director of the Pride of the Southland Band, added: “He was a spark during his time with us, and now he’s igniting a movement.”
Students and fans took to social media, with hashtags like #PrideOfJT and #SECGlobalBeat trending in Tennessee and beyond.
A Personal Mission for Cultural Unity
Thompson’s deep connection to the African diaspora has shaped much of his worldview. As a student, he interned with UNESCO in Dakar, Senegal, focusing on music preservation. He later collaborated with Afrobeat collectives and gospel choirs during summer residencies, which fueled his desire to blend American marching band traditions with African musical heritage.
“I was raised on Tennessee Orange, Motown vinyls, and African rhythms,” Thompson said during the press conference. “This new role is my dream realized—a space where every note tells a story, and every step forward is shared with the world.”
Bridging Band Traditions: What’s Next
Beyond Africa, Thompson and the SEC plan to expand the Global Music Exchange to Latin America and East Asia by 2027, creating a true world music network under the SEC banner.
Additional components of the band development strategy include:
- SEC All-Star Band Tour: A traveling ensemble made up of the top 200 musicians from all 16 SEC schools, performing globally each summer.
- Leadership Summits: Annual conferences for high school and college band directors to discuss innovation, equity, and education in marching arts.
- DEI in Music: Thompson will spearhead initiatives to diversify band participation at SEC schools, with recruitment from historically underrepresented communities.
Thompson’s Legacy Still Marching On
At just 26 years old, Jamal “J.T.” Thompson stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. His journey—from a student conductor in Nashville public schools to an international musical ambassador—is a blueprint for how music education can transcend borders, biases, and expectations.
For many students, alumni, and fans, Thompson’s elevation to SEC Band Development Director is more than just a title—it’s a symbol of what can be achieved through passion, leadership, and vision.
“This isn’t about me,” Thompson concluded, his voice steady but full of emotion. “This is about our bands, our cultures, our world. And if we can march to the beat of one global drum, just imagine what we can build together.”
Final Note: A Drumbeat Toward the Future
The SEC’s naming of Jamal “J.T.” Thompson as its inaugural Director of Band Development isn’t just a nod to excellence in marching music—it’s a statement about where college athletics and its culture are heading. In this new role, J.T. will carry the spirit of the South, the rhythm of the diaspora, and the heartbeat of unity into stadiums, schools, and concert halls around the globe.
As the Global Music Exchange prepares to debut in Africa, and as Thompson’s vision begins to unfold, one thing is clear: the sound of the South will never be the same again. And the world is listening.
