Brian Sterling works for the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite (S.O.D.) Marching Band Recruitment Services at Alcorn State University (ASU) as the Director of the S.O.D. Media Department.
The Baton Rouge native consulted with S.O.D. since 2012 before being hired as the band’s Percussion Instructor. He was promoted to Assistant Director shortly after alongside Director of Bands, Dr. Everson Martin. Realizing that the band lacked funds due to low exposure, Sterling used his experiences to work towards contributing materials to create a media team. His media techniques helped create experiences for past, current, and aspiring members.
His position involves him controlling the narrative of how the band is perceived by filtering through what it puts out. He conditions the band internally to make sure members are responsible for how they respond to criticism, both online and at performances.
Networking is another part of his job that is a huge contribution to the band’s growth and exposure. Bigger media platforms collaborate with the band’s media team, bringing more attention to the group.
Sterling understands that people want a safe and welcoming environment to grow and has the evidence to prove that it isn’t just for show. He assists with the organization of events where the band can perform, and Instructors can meet face-to-face with aspiring members in underrepresented communities. “I must adjust to the current trends in the world. You no longer have 5 minutes to keep someone’s attention span on social media. You have about 30 seconds to grab a viewer’s attention, get your point across, and do it in a tasteful fashion,” Sterling explains.
He continued, “We want to reach everyone, every old soul, and the younger generation that keeps us relevant. Although there was originally a set audience, we want to be able to touch everyone in some way and market our product/brand into new communities.”
His goals involve planting a seed in the minds of many who want to join, donate, or simply want to be associated with the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite. “You have to use what you have and don’t be afraid to be creative. My motivation is for the kids to have a well-publicized band such as Jackson State or Southern University. These kids want to be able to leave their footprint with footage that presents their hard work well.”
The band’s media team is consistent in the modernization to its online audience. This involves constant updates on the social media platforms, websites, and keeping up with the latest and most interactive graphics. Thanks to recent exposure, the S.O.D. was able to travel, with the help of sponsors, to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Houston, Texas, the New Orleans Saints game in New Orleans, Louisiana, the New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Game also in New Orleans, Louisiana, HBCU Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Georgia, the Braves Basketball Championship in Birmingham, Alabama, just to name a few. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our family, our alumni, and our supporters nationwide,” Sterling states.