2015 Homecoming News Letter

Marching Excellence!
History of the Blue & Gold Marching Machine
1918 The Director of Music, Mr. W. E. Lew, started the N.C. A&T band program as a 50 Piece ensemble. The band
program was offered as an extracurricular activity in the College of Arts and Sciences. During this time N.C.
A&T had the distinction of being the only HBCU in the state of North Carolina with a marching band.
1950s
The director of bands, Mr. Walter F. Carlson, brought in the idea of dancing during a field show performance.
In 1955, the marching band reached 135 members which included 66 freshmen. At the time this was the
largest marching band in the history of the university.
1960s The band introduced the concept of majorettes and later incorporated flag twirlers into the ranks.
1970s
1980s
Saw the A&T Marching Band gain national attention with several major performances including the Macy’s
Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.
The band underwent a change in leadership. Jimmy Williams and Dr. Johnny B. Hodge became the directors
of the band. It was during this time the marching band was renamed the “Blue & Gold Marching Machine.”
2003 Dr. Hodge retired as Director of Bands and Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff assumed the leadership position. Under the
leadership of Dr. Ruff the marching band program continued to flourish.
2009 The Blue & Gold Marching Machine received their first invitation to appear at the Honda Battle of the Bands
in Atlanta, Georgia. The band was the First Official Winners of the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational
Showcase.
2012 The band led the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.
2015 The band achieved first place at the Tom Joyner HBCU Battle for the Crown in Greensville, South Carolina. The
same day the band achieved first place at the Queen City Battle of the Bands in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This powerhouse of music excellence has been an integral part of the College of Arts and Sciences for more
than 95 years. Student, faculty and staff dedication to artistic preeminence is what makes Aggie Pride pulse
because that’s what proud AGGIES DO!