CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several historically Black colleges and universities are experiencing a boost in student enrollment since the pandemic.
A marching band on a North Carolina campus is credited for helping contribute to its recent growth.
Tomisha Brock serves as director of university bands for Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. She’s also the campus music program coordinator.
Brock stepped into these leadership roles in 2023.
“I’ve followed and known about JCSU since I was an undergrad student at Virginia State University. The opportunity to come and rebuild the band program and help restore its legacy is why I’m here,” Brock said.
Under Brock’s leadership, the historically Black university's marching band, known as the International Institution of Sound, has grown significantly.
Brock said right before coming to the university, the marching band had about 15 members.
“Through some recruitment of the interim director, the program got up to 41 students. Through some aggressive recruiting throughout the year and over the summer, we're now up 96 members in the band program,” Brock said.
The JCSU choir program has also grown to 41 members.
The overall increase of band and music students fits the trajectory of growth seen campuswide.
Last year, JCSU enrolled about 1,100 students.
However, in fall 2024, the university welcomed over 1,300 students, representing its largest incoming class since before the pandemic.
But JCSU is not the only HBCU experiencing a boost of students.
Other HBCUs, including North Carolina Central University, Elizabeth City State University and Shaw University, are enrolling a record number of students, according to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.
One reason attributed to the growth is the 2023 Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in the higher education admission process.
Brock said other factors, such as music programs, help draw attention and people to the campuses.
Next to sports, Brock said marching bands are one of the most visible student organizations on any HBCU campus, making them a valuable tool for recruitment.
“That opportunity to connect with fans on the weekends but also travel and get out into the schools and into the community helps tremendously to boost enrollment and retention at the university,” Brock said.
"Without music period – it would be very hard to do everyday activities. The band just adds extra motivation to keep going, to push through when the team is tired. The band adds the motivation, pride and support for the alumni to come back and support,” Brock said.
Lanier Washington is a freshman at JCSU, majoring in computer engineering, minoring in music.
Washington said he grew up around music. He later pursued a higher education environment where he could embrace this art form.
“Music is everywhere,” Washington said. “Music helps people and everybody needs it in their life.”
Washington said he researched both academic and music offerings before enrolling at JCSU. The marching band solidified his commitment.
“The potential we have now is what drove me to come,” Washington said. “We're like a family. When I met Dr. Brock, she reminded me of a mother, she’s really caring, while also getting what she needs done.”
“We all take up for each other, we come to the band first before anyone else. It feels like a home. Really do your research and join [if it’s for you],” Washington said.
Brock said her music team is continuing to recruit band members for the next academic year.
“Come out and check us out,” Brock said. “We just want the community to know we’re here, we’re still a vibrant school in a new era of excellence. We are the heart and pride of Charlotte.”