| Twenty-three years ago, Kenneth Ruff dreamt about being the director of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine. Now, the former band member has secured his dream job and is leading the Machine to unchartered territory.
National appearances such as performing at NBA games, opening the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and securing a coveted spot in the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase have catapulted the North Carolina A&T band to more prominent and impactful platforms. With a record like that, Ruff proves to be a perfect fit for his ideal job.
“I’m not a rich man but I’m fulfilled,” said Ruff, who remembers the advice shared with him by former Assistant Band Director Jimmy Williams.
“That’s what I tell any music major or anyone who wants to go and teach. It’s a calling,” he said. “The satisfaction comes from the work you do with the student and the final product.”
As the football season comes to an end, Ruff and his team have to be more attentive than ever to students needs as the band prepares for the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, Jan. 25, 2014, respectively in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga. This year will be the Blue and Gold Marching Machine’s third year at the showcase and its first consecutive appearance.
“I would love for the [Georgia] Dome to be filled with Aggies and no one else. The students worked very hard and they’ve done an exceptional job this year,” Ruff said.
Ruff anticipates that audience members will get a taste of a different kind of show.
“We’ve done really different and diverse shows this year. It’s going to be that type of show. Very entertaining, very dramatic, very exciting and off the charts,” he added.
Before becoming the band director, Ruff worked with the band as an assistant director along with Johnny B. Hodge Jr. Upon Hodge’s retirement, Ruff took over as director in 2003.
Ruff is a native of Greensboro, N.C., and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in; music education administration and supervision from the university. Ruff also holds a master’s degree in Music Education, a specialist degree in education, and a doctorate in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Ruff is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Fraternity of Music, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Fraternity.
By: Courtney J. Jackson |
