Overview

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s premier band, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) will take its talents and performance precision to the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2024. 

The BGMM is one of 20 exceptional bands selected to participate in the prestigious event. The largest student organization on the A&T campus, fundraising efforts are already underway to prepare for the annual event in Pasadena, California, centered around the theme, “Celebrating a World of Music.”

BGMM will join other bands hailing from diverse corners of the world, including Costa Rica, Japan and Sweden. The bands will travel to Pasadena to participate in the iconic parade, creating unforgettable memories as they march down Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards.

The Tournament of Roses Parade is expected to be viewed by 46 million people worldwide. The 2024 iteration is presented by Honda.

The band performs at a variety of school and community functions and consists of approximately 200 members from very diverse majors and concentrations. BGMM 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.