Kenneth Ruff, Ed.D., the Man Behind the Leadership of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine
The Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) has been a driving factor in enrollment at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for decades. As an iconic staple of Aggieland, the city of Greensboro and the nation, the band attracts millions at the drop of the beat.
For 20 years, Kenneth Ruff, Ed.D. ‘90 and ‘93, has been the band director who has been instrumental in the elevation of BGMM.
A former member of the band, Ruff was a leader from the very beginning as a North Carolina A&T student. His instrument of choice was the flute, and as he progressed in the Blue and Gold Marching Machine, he became a section leader of the piccolo section, then drum major from 1988 to 1990.
After graduating from A&T with a bachelor’s degree in music education, Ruff found himself unable to find a job in music in the Greensboro area. The next year he began his music career in the public school system in Rockingham County and later Guilford County. While working in the school system, he also worked part time with the BGMM as an assistant director under the leadership of Johnny Hodge, Ph.D., former band director, former band director. In his professional career, he served as a band director at a local middle and high school from 1992 to 2003, then as an assistant principal for five years.
“Dr. Hodge was a great mentor to me and encouraged me to pursue my master’s and doctoral degrees in education to support my career as a future leader of the band. He took me under his wing to learn the ins and outs of the band, because he saw something in me that made me qualified to become the next director,” said Ruff. “In 2003, Dr. Hodge retired and encouraged me to apply for the band director position. I prayed about the role and was granted the opportunity.”
Ruff brings to the Blue and Gold Marching Machine innovation and the willingness to adapt to change. The band has 235 members who are trained to understand the meaning of discipline, hard work, and commitment. Due to the leadership of the band, it is a true testament of how showmanship and professionalism has catapulted the band into mainstream media and national opportunities.
“When people see our performances, they see a show from the very beginning to the end – we believe in performing outside of the box and we are always going for what is new,” he said.
The work regimen of the band is not only for football season. The members of the marching band also perform in smaller ensembles. These ensembles prepare concert literature for presentations in the spring for the University Band’s Concert Series each year, and the Cold Steel Drumline has performances all year.
“Students who are members of the band sacrifice their college experience and the time they spend with family and friends. The band is their family and loyalty means everything to us because we take care of each other,” said Ruff. “Once students graduate from A&T, employers can expect to experience someone who is professional, dedicated, hardworking and a team player.”
Ruff credits his mother for teaching him he can do anything he sets his mind to do through love, hard work, confidence and work ethic.
“Since the fifth grade when I picked up my first instrument, my mother has been at every concert. She is my definition of support because she is always believing in me,” he said. “She instilled in me the meaning of being loyal and taking care of my family.”
On Jan. 1, 2024, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine will take its talents and performance precision to the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. 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.
Alumni and friends who would like to support the travel expenses for the band can donate by texting “BGMM” to 41444 or clicking here to give and selecting “Blue and Gold Marching Machine.”
