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The halftime routine during North Carolina A&T State University’s Greatest Homecoming on Earth (GHOE) game is a high point for the Blue and Gold Marching Machine, but it is far from their only Homecoming duty.
The band, which is comprised of more than 200 members, began the season No. 1 in the Red Lobster Band of the Year rankings and recently performed at the National Battle of the Bands in Houston and as well as during an NFL New York Giants game in New Jersey.
These appearances not only highlight the band’s musical and visual excellence but also cement their reputation as cultural ambassadors, representing North Carolina A&T and HBCU marching bands on a national stage. Performance formations are crucial to the band. Getting the band in formation for one show usually takes a day or two and once that occurs, the Golden Delight dancers are inserted in the formation.
In January 2024, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine appeared in the Rose Bowl Parade in Southern California. That performance placed them on a world stage, showing off the same flair and discipline that Aggies get to see every game day.
The band demands long practices, strict time management, physical and mental stamina, and above all, loyalty. Band directors, students, and alumni recently discussed what makes the BGMM come to life.
“It takes a significant amount of determination and faith,” said head drum major Dylan Walker. “There will be days, (like in any sport, in which your mind, body, and spirit are broken.
“You have to find your reason for wanting to continue,” Walker further explained. “For me, it’s the love for the people, but those days always remind you that it isn’t just about you, and you’re a part of something greater than yourself.”
Cold Steel percussionist Tre’Vyohn Williams-Giles said. ““The support from the fans is vital to the morale of the band. We are all part of something bigger than ourselves.”
For band members, being excellent comes at a cost: long, intense rehearsals typically run for five to six hours, often from 4 to 9 p.m.
“A typical practice schedule during the week of GHOE is extremely tedious,” said sophomore Mikayla Jones, a member of the band’s dance team, known as the Golden Delight. “Very early and late hours of the day, rehearsing the show, and all the creativity that comes with it.”
These hours ensure that every detail of the halftime show and parade routines meet the highest standards. The late-night practices often cut into rest, leaving some students struggling with fatigue in class and rehearsal.
A typical halftime show is comprised of several distinct parts. It begins with an opener, the very first performance that sets the tone and grabs the audience’s attention.
Next comes the drill, where the band moves through a series of precise formations, typically performed to an upbeat song.
Afterward, the spotlight shifts to the percussion feature, a high-energy performance led by the drumline, Cold Steel. This is followed by the Golden Delight feature, where the dancers showcase their own dynamic routine.
The show then transitions into the ballad, a powerful, melodic piece that highlights the band’s musicality.
From there, the band moves into the “freak,” a crowd-favorite dance where nearly every section participates—except the percussion and tubas, who keep the rhythm steady.
Finally, the performance ends with the closer, a finale designed to have a lasting impact on the audience.
Walker added, “The demands are unforgiving and laborious but worth the result. During important weeks like the NCCU Classic prep or GHOE prep, it becomes incredibly important to carve out time for your physical and mental well-being during the day.”
The consistency of practice extends beyond the official schedule as well, since many members continue to work individually on their music and routines outside of rehearsal. On a typical day, practice begins with sectionals, where each section spends two to three hours focusing on its own part before joining together for full band. Once the entire group assembles, they move outside to the practice field under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Ruff, running through the field shows until as late as 9 or 10 p.m.
As Walker put it: “I do my best to lead by example, making sure that I give the most energy I can in every rep, so that my peers see that we don’t stop when we’re tired but (only) when we’re done.”
Nyla Wilson is an N.C.A&T junior multimedia journalism student from hometown, home state.
