Visual and Performing Arts Student Organizations

As one of the premier bands in the nation, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine is synonymous with high stepping performances, precise drills, powerful, yet melodic sounds, and energy! As the premier band of North Carolina and ranking high among the nation’s top HBCU Marching Bands, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine of NC A&T State University is a force to be reckoned with!

Under the leadership of visionary, Dr. Kenneth Ruff, “The Blue and Gold Machine” brings crowds of fans to their feet year after year. The hard work of band members has led to numerous recognitions such as winners of the Honda Battle of The Bands, the 2003 Defeat the Beat Champions, official band of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise, the lead band for the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and a top 10 band, as reported by Sports Illustrated. 

The band performs at a variety of school and community functions and consists of approximately 200 members from diverse majors and concentrations. The band is an auditioned group. Auditions are open to all students of the university who wish to participate. The Marching Machine performs different genres of music and incorporates all styles of marching and maneuvering.

Contact Information

Prospective members, please inquire to join the Blue & Gold Marching Machine today. Have you applied to the university yet? If not, visit admissions and find out how to apply today.  For additional information, please contact us with the information provided below:

North Carolina A&T State University
Blue & Gold Marching Machine
1120 East Bessemer Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone: (336) 334-7776 | Fax:  (336) 334-7311

Request a Blue & Gold Marching Machine Performance? Email Dr. Ruff at kgruff@ncat.edu.

Request a Cold Steel Drumline Performance? Email Dr. Lawhorn at lblawhorn@ncat.edu.

The N.C. A&T State University Marching Machine (MUSI 300 - Fall)
The University Marching Band performs in the fall at all home and many away football games. Membership is open to qualified students by audition. Contact Kenneth Ruff, Director of Bands, by phone: 336-334-7776, or by email: kgruff@ncat.edu for more information.

Symphonic Band (MUSI 300 - Spring)
The Symphonic Band rehearses and performs during the spring semester as the replacement ensemble for the marching band. The repertoire of the Symphonic Band is varied, and performances include campus, city, and state-wide events. Contact Kenneth Ruff, Director of Bands, by phone: 336-334-7776, or by email: kgruff@ncat.edu for more information.

Jazz Ensemble (MUSI 308)
The Jazz Ensemble performs throughout the school year in a variety of areas across the state and nation. Repertoire varies from big band classics to be-bop to fusion. The Jazz Ensemble not only includes a large big band, but smaller jazz combos as well. Contact Dr. John Henry, Jr., Music Program Director at jphenry@ncat.edu for more information. Past guest artists have included Clark Terry, Max Roach, and Slide Hampton. Connect with them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NCATJAZZMUSIC ).

University Choir (MUSI 301)
The University Choir performs a wide range of compositions for mixed voices. The choir performs on campus and throughout the Eastern United States. Locally, the choir has performed with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Greensboro Opera Company. Contact Travis Alexander, University Choir Director, by phone: 336-334-7179 or by email: twalexan@ncat.edu for more information.

Chamber Singers (MUSI 306)
This is a choral organization which is designed to perform a wide variety of compositions written for voices representing various musical styles and periods. The performances include frequent public concerts. Membership is open to qualified students through audition with the director, Travis Alexander, 336-334-7179. 

Opera Workshop (MUSI 305)
Musical and dramatic group study and performance of excerpts from the operatic repertoire will be included. This course includes an annual production of a standard opera and/or contemporary chamber work, with staging, costumes, and scenery. Students must secure the approval of their university voice instructor before enrolling. Directed by Dr. Van-Anthoney Hall email: vlhall@ncat.edu and Ms. Sonya Bennett Brown  email: sonyab.brown@yahoo.com

Small Ensembles
Several small ensembles perform throughout the year, both on and off campus. They include various brass and woodwind ensembles, as well as a percussion ensemble. Membership is open to all students who wish to audition.

• Brass Ensembles (MUSI 302)- Directed by Dr. Michael Long and Mr. Thomas Warner
• Percussion Ensemble (MUSI 304) - Directed by Dr. Michael Lasley
• Woodwind Ensembles (MUSI 303) - Directed by Dr. Kenneth Ruff

Alpha Psi Omega was formed as a theatre honor society for the purpose of providing acknowledgement to those demonstrating a high standard of accomplishment in theatre, and through the advancement of Alpha Psi Omega among colleges and Universities providing a wider range of fellowship for those interested in theatre.

Criteria: Participation in this society is by invitation only. Students must be in good academic standing with a G.P.A. of 3.0 (3.5 in the major).

For more information, contact Gregory Horton, Associate Professor, at gjhorton@ncat.edu. 

The national award-winning Richard B. Harrison Players is committed to:

• helping members become the best theatre artists they can be;
• providing high quality theatre to the N.C. A&T State University campus as well as the Greensboro community.

The organization offers plays, workshops, service opportunities, and more. For more information, contact Gregory Horton, Associate Professor, at gjhorton@ncat.edu. 

Art Circle is the student organization for the Visual Arts Program. It is responsible for the continued promotion creative entrepreneurial endeavors and student exhibition opportunities for the visual arts program. The organization raises funds throughout the year in order to visit graduate programs and area art exhibitions. To join Art Circle or for more information, contact James Barnhill, faculty advisor, at jebarnhi@ncat.edu or Roy Carter, Visual Arts Program Director, at rcarter1@ncat.edu.