“Working with the N.C. A&T Band is a dream.”

Dr. Kenneth Ruff, 52, Aggie Alum & Band Director

For 125 years, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has celebrated, “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth.”

One of the big attractions at every N.C. A&T event and especially homecoming is the Blue and Gold Marching Machine. And the A&T marching band is the most recognized band in North Carolina and is a top contender in the world of historically black college marching bands.

This doesn’t happen by accident. It happens from hours and hours of hard work. And somebody has to direct this legendary band.

Dr. Kenneth Ruff, 52, creates drill designs for the band and is responsible for the organization and planning of the entire band program.

“Working with the N.C. A&T Band is a dream. We’re never afraid to step outside the box, whether it’s trying new things or setting new trends. We play different genres of music, and our halftime shows always has a fun theme to make them unique.”

Dr. Ruff’s love affair with the band began when he was a student at A&T. As an engineer and math major, he met some friends who were in the band. The next thing he knew, he began playing the flute, joined the band himself, and changed his major to music.

Along the way, he earned a Master’s degree in music education, a Specialist degree in Education, and a Doctorate in education, all from N.C. A&T.

“I rose from a section leader to drum major and after graduation became the assistant director and now I’ve been the director for 14 years. I am living the Aggie dream every day.” Aggie Pride!

 

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