GREENSBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina A&T State University's Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) took their talents and performance precision to the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1.
The band received the news they were going to be in the parade from tournament president Alex Aghajanian, stating the band's selection was based on its "musicianship, showmanship and amazing talent."
"This is a tremendous honor and opportunity for the band. Marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade will be great exposure for our students," Director of Bands, Kenneth Ruff said. "Our students work very hard all year. They deserve this. I'm excited for them."
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The 'Blue and Gold' Marching Band have returned from Pasadena, California and shared what it was like being in a parade in front of thousands of people.
"I have never been to California so this was like a huge opportunity and getting to do it with people that I can now call my family was just such a blessing," Amber Myers, freshman at NC A & T State University and band member said.
"I think when we look back at it it was 5.6 million people viewing worldwide and to be able to perform on a worldwide platform like that I have never been able to travel to the west coast. It took a lot of hard work kind from the directors on down and I would never trade that experience for anything in the world," Garvin Collins, NC A&T State University band member said.
The band's world is not done yet.
This spring, NC A&T Department of Bands plans to hold their Spring concert series beginning April 11 and ending on May 4 with NC A&T SU Band Blowout concert. Tickets will soon go on sale. For more information, click or tap HERE.