Blue and Gold Marching Machine

Last updated
Blue and Gold Marching Machine
BGMM Logo, transparent.png
School North Carolina A&T State University
Location Greensboro, North Carolina
Conference CAA Football
Founded1918
DirectorKenneth G. Ruff (Director of Bands)
Assistant DirectorThomas Warner, Jr (High Brass)
Lamon Lawhorn (Percussion)
Members220
Fight song""Aggie Fight Song" and "Old Aggie Spirit""
Website BGMM official website

The Blue and Gold Marching Machine (also known as the BGMM) is the official marching band of North Carolina A&T State University. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine performs pre-game and halftime shows at all North Carolina A&T Aggies football home games and travels to most away games.

Contents

History

The history of the North Carolina A&T Marching Band can be traced back to the early 20th century. In the school's early history, music was not offered as a course of study. Margaret Falkener is credited with organizing the college's Music Department in 1894. [1] In 1909 Mr. Charles E. Stewart came to the university, then the "Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race," to serve as director of music. [2] Stewart would later go on to compose the school's Alma Mater, "Dear A&T". [2] After Stewart's arrival, arts consisting primarily of choral music, unison singing, and band instruction, soon became a requirement in all departments. [2]

Charles E. Stewart, director of instrumental and vocal music (1909 to 1917). Charles E. Stewart circa 1900.jpg
Charles E. Stewart, director of instrumental and vocal music (1909 to 1917).

After Stewart's departure in 1917, W.E. Lew came on as Director of Music until 1933. At that time the music program at the college began to grow. [2] The following year, Lew started the band program as a 50 Piece ensemble. [2] It was not until the 1930s that marching band was offered as an extracurricular activity. During this time, N.C. A&T was the only Historically Black college in the state of North Carolina with a marching band. [2]

A period of band history is unknown, and it is not completely sure if W.E. Lew was the only director of bands for A&T from 1917 through 1933. After Lew's departure in 1933, the band was taken over by Bernard Lee Mason, from 1933 to 1948. He was a violinist who studied at Oberlin. His impact on the band is unknown as well.

In 1940, the college granted its first Bachelor of Science degrees in Instrumental Music in 1940. [3] later in that decade, the marching band was patterned itself after programs found at The University of Michigan and Ohio State. [2]

In the 1950s, the director of bands Walter F. Carlson, brought in the idea of dancing during a field show performance. In 1955, the Marching Band reached 135 members, including 66 freshmen. At the time this was the largest marching band in the history of the university. As a result of the growth, the marching band outgrew their practice and were relocated to a new location inside a renovated Crosby Hall. [4]

An early image of the A&M College Marching Band with Band Director Charles E. Stewart A&T Band in 1915.png
An early image of the A&M College Marching Band with Band Director Charles E. Stewart

In the mid 1960s the band introduced the concept of majorettes and later incorporated flag twirlers into the ranks. [2] The 1970s saw the A&T Marching Band gain national attention with several major performances including The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City and performing at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. [2] In the late 1970s to early 1980s, the band underwent a change in leadership. Dr. Johnny B. Hodge became the directors of the band alongside Jimmy Williams. It was during this era, the marching band gained the “Blue & Gold Marching Machine” moniker. [2] In the late 1980s and early 1990s the auxiliary units of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine, began to evolve. The group then called "The Untouchables." displayed signature elements such as the "high step" march of the flags and the "A&T Majorette Arch." [5] In 1992, the squad was renamed "Golden Delight." and throughout the decade, the ladies began to incorporate dance and flag twirling movements in their shows. [5] The squad soon became known for its versatile nature, in addition to having one of the largest collection of flags and equipment in HBCU bands. Taken from a corps style inspiration, a variety of colored flags were used to accent the music being played by the Blue & Gold Marching Machine, breaking the normal practice of using flags primarily consisting of school's colors. [5]

Blue & Gold Marching Machine at the 2012 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. BGMM at Macy's Parade 2012.jpg
Blue & Gold Marching Machine at the 2012 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In 2003, Dr. Hodge would retire as Director of Bands, and Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff would assume the leadership position. In 2009, the BGMM received their first invitation to appear at the Honda Battle of the Bands, in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, the band has appeared in Honda, six times. In 2012, the band led the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City. The band has been invited to perform at the 2024 New Year's Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. [6]

Leadership

Directly the BGMM is Dr. Kenny G Ruff [7] In 2003, Ruff replaced the late Dr. Johnny B. Hodge, who served as Director of Bands for four decades before his retirement. [7] As Director of University Bands, Ruf is responsible for not only the BGMM, but also overseeing the organization and planning of the Symphonic bands, Concert bands, Stage band, and Pep bands. [7] Ruf received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from North Carolina A&T, and also holds a master's degree in Music Education, specialist degree in Education, and a doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. [7] Ruff is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Fraternity of Music, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. [7]

Dr. Ruff is joined by two assistant directors, not only assume the duties of the Director of Bands in their absence, but also oversees other aspects of the band such as the Percussion line, and brass sections. Dr. Thomas Warner III, serves as the Assistant Director of bands for the high brass instruments. Dr. Warner received his bachelor of arts degree in Music Education from Clark-Atlanta University and his Master of Music Education Degree from Florida State University. [3]

Dr. Lamon Lawhorn Jr., serves as the Assistant Director of Bands for the Percussion Section. His duties include coordinating all aspects of the University Band Percussion Ensembles in rehearsals and field instructions, including the drumline and percussion ensembles. Dr. Lawhorn received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Prairie View A&M University, and is a member of the "Marching Storm" band. He received his Master of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Mississippi and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Percussion Performance. Dr. Lawhorn is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, as well as Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternities. [3] [8]

The BGMM also has a host of Student, Graduate Assistants, Clinicians and instructional and administrative staff members that work alongside the Directors and Drum Majors to ensure the seam of operation of the band.

Composition

The BGMM contains numerous woodwind, brass, percussion, and auxiliary members. The band is divided into 12 sections, 10 of which contain instrumentalists. Each section is run by its own section leaders. Woodwind instruments include clarinets known as Ebony Kings and Queens, piccolos Essence of Silver, and saxophones also known as Saxually Active. The brass instruments consists of the trumpets better known as Scream Machine, mellophones also known as Sonic Boom, trombones Freight Train, euphoniums Crucial Eu, and sousaphones Thundar Brothers. The percussion section, collectively known as the Cold Steel Drumline, contains snare, tenor and bass drums; in addition to cymbal players. Members of the band's auxiliary units include the drum majors and Golden Delight, who serve the roles of majorettes, color guard, and dancers.

Marching style

Traditionally, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine utilizes a variation of the high step marching style. This involves the lifting of the knee with legs directly in front, thighs parallel to the ground, and toes pointed downward. When the leg is elevated, there should be a 90-degree angle with the body and the thigh, and a 90-degree angle with the thigh and the shin. This action is commonly known as "holding someone's cup of tea". The leg is then lowered, and this is repeated with the other leg. This is informally referred to as the "chair step". This is also the style commonly found in many HBCU bands. Recently, the band program has introduced into their on-field performances, techniques similar to those seen in modern drum and bugle corps of Drum Corps International (DCI). Commonly referred to as corps style, constantly changing step sizes, forward, backward, and side to side "bell-front" marching is used to accommodate the different forms the band is creating on the field. The band's auxiliary unit, also known as "Golden Delight" is a combined unit that serves the purposes of "Color Guard," Baton twirlers, and dancers. Golden Delight is known for incorporating diverse flags, air blades, and other props and costuming to provide visual and theatrical elements into the band's shows.

Notable performances

Notable alumni

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Band</span> Marching band of Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University Marching Blue Band, known generally as the Blue Band, is the marching band of Pennsylvania State University. Founded in 1899, it is the largest recognized student organization at the University Park campus of Penn State, with over 300 active student members. The primary function of the Blue Band is to support the school's football team, performing for all home football games at Beaver Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baton twirling</span> Sport

Baton twirling is a sport that combines dance and color guard to create coordinated routines. It requires a "baton" which is metal rod, typically just slightly larger than one's dominant arm. The sport can be seen in national and international competitions including the USA Junior Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Purdue All-American Marching Band</span> Marching band of Purdue University

The Purdue "All-American" Marching Band is the marching band of Purdue University and performs at Purdue Boilermakers football games. The AAMB is also the official band of the Indianapolis 500 race, having held the position since 1919.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sun Devil Marching Band</span> Marching band of Arizona State University

The Sun Devil Marching Band (SDMB), also known as The Pride of the Southwest, is the athletic band of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devil Marching Band motto is “Expect Great Things.” The acronym EGT is inscribed on a sign that hangs from the director's podium towering over the band's practice field, and is a symbol of the high standards that band members strive to meet. The ASU Band program, which includes the Marching, Pep, and Dixieland bands, is a part of the Sun Devil Athletics department. The band is currently under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands James G. "The Hammer" Hudson, who took over the program in 2006. The Sun Devil Marching Band is a major ambassador for Arizona State University and the state of Arizona. Each year almost 500,000 people are entertained by the band, which plays at home football at Sun Devil Stadium and as a pep band for basketball games at Wells Fargo Arena, homecoming, bowl game parades, other community events in the Valley, across the country, and even abroad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hawkeye Marching Band</span> Marching band at the University of Iowa

The Hawkeye Marching Band is the marching band for the University of Iowa. The band performs at all home Hawkeye football games at Kinnick Stadium in addition to other events. It is the largest and most visible musical ensemble at the university. The band was founded in 1881 as a military band, giving membership to both music students and members of the military. In 1990, the band was awarded the Louis Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy, generally considered to be the most prestigious honor a collegiate marching band can receive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Minnesota Marching Band</span> Marching band of the University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota Marching Band is the marching band of the University of Minnesota and the flagship university band for the state of Minnesota. The Pride of Minnesota serves as an ambassador for the university, representing the school at major events both on and off campus. The band performs before, during, and after all home Golden Gopher football games and bowl games, occasional away games, local parades, numerous pepfests, exhibition performances, as well as a series of indoor concerts toward the end of the regular football season. Members of the band, along with non-member students, also participate in smaller athletic pep bands that perform at other major sporting events, including men's hockey, men's basketball, women's hockey, women's basketball, and women's volleyball.

The Miami University Marching Band (MUMB) is the marching band of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Founded in 1935, the band is an organization which fields 220 students enrolled in the Miami University system. The band is a part of the College of Creative Arts and the Department of Music, representing the students of the college at all home football games, as well as at various away games, bowl games, parades, and marching band festivals.

The University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, or Pitt Band, is the college marching band at the University of Pittsburgh. The band numbers over 300 students consisting of instrumentalists, a majorette squad known as the Golden Girls, a color guard, and the drumline. The band was founded in 1911 and has won numerous awards over the years. All members of the band must pass an audition in order to join. The band is currently housed in Trees Hall; however, in 2020, the Pitt Athletic Department announced its "Victory Heights" initiative, part of the campus master plan which includes a new marching band facility slated to open in spring 2027.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching Mizzou</span> Marching band for the University of Missouri

Marching Mizzou, M2, or The Big 'M' of the Midwest is the performing marching band for the University of Missouri, founded in 1885 as a college military band. Originally consisting of only 12 members, it is now the largest student organization on the MU campus, drawing students from nearly every major. Marching Mizzou performs at all home football games of the Missouri Tigers football team, in addition to other university events; and expanded Mini Mizzou travels to two away games per season, while the entire band regularly follows the team to conference championship games and bowl games. Marching Mizzou's signature drill "Flip Tigers" has been a well-known tradition of its pre-game show since 1960. It is instructed by University of Missouri School of Music faculty.

The Georgia Redcoat Marching Band, commonly referred to as "The Redcoats", is the official marching band of the University of Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carolina Band</span> Marching band of the University of South Carolina

The Carolina Band, or the Mighty Sound of the Southeast, is the official marching band of the University of South Carolina. With an average membership of 360, it is the largest ensemble associated with the university's School of Music. The marching band performs at all South Carolina Gamecocks football home games played at Williams-Brice Stadium, as well as neutral site games, bowl games, and all games against Clemson, where both the Carolina Band and Clemson's Tiger Band both perform at half time regardless of which school is hosting on a given year.

The "Pride of Mid-America" is the name of the Ball State University marching band. Consisting of around 200 members, it is the largest student organization at Ball State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Majorette</span> Dancer

A majorette is a performer who combines baton twirling with dance movements, primarily associated with marching bands during parades. Majorettes may alternatively spin flags, fire batons, maces, or rifles. Some performers incorporate cartwheels and flips, while others may twirl multiple batons at once.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching and Cycling Band HHK</span> Dutch band

The Marching and Cycling Band HHK was a marching band from Haarlem, The Netherlands which existed from 1964 until 2014, started by a fusion in 1964 of two ancestor bands: Kunstkring Apollo and Harmonie Crescendo under the name of Haarlems Harmonie Kapel (HHK). The band had a unique way of performing: marching and cycling, hence the name "Marching and Cycling Band HHK".

George W. Edwards was the director of bands for Prairie View A&M University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band</span> College marching band in Louisville, Kentucky

The University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band is the official marching band of the University of Louisville (UofL) in Louisville, Kentucky. It is considered a Music Ambassador for UofL. The CMB performs at all home football games at Cardinal Stadium, all postseason bowl games, and select away football games. It also plays at the annual Spring Scrimmage Game which pits the Cardinal Offense against the Cardinal Defense.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocean of Soul</span> Marching band of Texas Southern University

The Ocean of Soul is the marching band representing Texas Southern University. Since June 2021, the band has been under the direction of Brian K. Simmons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clemson University Tiger Band</span> College marching band

The Clemson University Tiger Band serves as the Marching Band, Color Guard, Tiger Dancers and Tiger Twirlers of Clemson University. The marching band component of the band is made up of wind instruments, percussion, and auxiliary units, including the piccolo, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and sousaphone. A drum line consisting of snares, basses, cymbals, tenors, and a front ensemble is used. To the thousands of fans, it is known as the Tiger Band, or better yet the "band that shakes the Southland". Composed of over 300 members, Tiger Band's mission is to provide inspiring spirit and entertainment to not only the university, but beyond.

The Marching Sound Machine is the official marching band of North Carolina Central University. The Sound Machine performs pre-game and halftime shows at all North Carolina Central home games and travels to most away games.

"Showtime" is the official name of the marching band at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

References

  1. ↑ "A&T History". F.D. Bluford Library Archives. Archived from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "History of The Machine". ncat.edu. Archived from the original on 2014-04-14. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
  3. 1 2 3 "Handbook of Facts for Music Majors - NC A&T College of Arts & Sciences" (PDF). www.ncat.edu/. NC A&T - Dept. Visual & Performing Arts. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-11. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  4. ↑ "A&T Fields Largest Band In History; Occupies Enlarged Quarters". A&T Register. 15 October 1955. Archived from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 "Golden Delight History". Goldend Delight Axillary website. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  6. ↑ "Pasadena Tournament of Roses Announces Bands Marching in 2024 Rose Parade". Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Directors". ncat.edu. Archived from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  8. ↑ Lawhorn, Lamon. "Lamon Lawhorn-About". www.lamonlawhorn.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  9. ↑ Stryker, Cole. "11 Best Antoine Dodson 'Bed Intruder' Remix Covers". Urlesque. Archived from the original on 2010-08-18. Retrieved August 17, 2010.
  10. ↑ Wertz Jr., Langston. "NC A&T marching band gets 34 million shout-out from Bruno Mars". charlotteobserver.com. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  11. ↑ "Bruno Mars Reveals Why He Got Kicked Out Of High School Band". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 6, 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  12. ↑ "North Carolina A&T Rocks Bruno Mars at Halftime". College Marching Bands. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  13. ↑ Bell, Diane (October 10, 1969). "New Twirler is No Novice at His Job". A&T Register. Archived from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.