Blue & Gold Marching Machine

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 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 lead to numerous recognitions such as winners of the Honda Battle of The Bands, official band of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise, the lead band for the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, participants in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and winners of the 2023 ESPN Band of the Year.

The band performs at a variety of school and community functions and consists of approximately 250 members from very diverse majors and concentrations. The band is an auditioned group. The audition is 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. The unit is a source of pride for the university and the community.