October 6, 2020

Dear Aggie Band Supporter,

I greet you on behalf of the staff and students of the NC A&T State University Band Program. Over the years, the name A&T has exemplified pride, tradition, and loyalty. The “Blue and Gold Marching Machine” continues to be a force to be reckoned with among top HBCU marching bands! But not only is the program excelling in the area of marching band, it is providing students many avenues for musical development and growth. We offer various concert ensembles and performance groups in addition to top-notch academic major offerings here at A&T. As Director of Bands, I am afforded the opportunity to work with talented and energetic

students who enjoy the challenge and competition of being in a collegiate band. A&T has set a standard of excellence in showmanship and musicianship that many others mimic and attempt to duplicate!

Our University Spring Ensembles have developed into one of the most comprehensive band program offerings in the HBCU band world, offering 12 different ensembles for students to engage in and grow and develop as musicians. Currently the program offers small ensembles that consist of Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Choir, Trumpet Choir, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Drumline (Cold Steel), and an Auxiliary Class (Golden Delight). Additionally, the program offers Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Pep Band and Stage Band. These four groups are among our larger ensembles. As you can see, we offer a variety of programs to offer the music enthusiast and these programs are for all students, not just music majors.

With the development of the Band Program at NC A&T, the Blue and Gold Loyalty Foundation (BGLF) has been a very vital support system for the University Band Program and has aided in the creation and maintenance of our current program. The BGLF’s primary objective has been to raise funds in support of the University Band Program. The mission of the Blue and Gold Loyalty Foundation is to develop A&T band students by supporting programs that provide community outreach through music opportunities; to cultivate and empower band members through financial support for educational endeavors, musical development and mentorship. Their

vision is to provide every student with the highest quality education using music as the catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Although the band program has developed over the years, there is still great need for all types of support to assist with the continued

growth of each ensemble and the students that participate. The following are areas of need for the program:

• Scholarships for students that qualify.
• Facilities to accommodate a growing band program with room for storage, small ensemble rehearsal, full ensemble rehearsal, offices, meeting rooms, and practice rooms. Improvements are needed in the practice field for the marching band.
• Dress uniform for each group.
• Enhanced operational budget.
• Equipment vehicles (trucks for hauling band instruments).
• Augmentation of musical arrangement services for each ensemble.
• Financial support for Summer Band Camp (meals, lodging and staffing), uniform maintenance, t-shirts, and band incentives and awards.

I would also like to incorporate very diverse performance opportunities for the students that participate in the band. Future plans include participation in the Tournament of Roses parade in California, performances in Europe, Festival at Sea, Presidential Inaugurations, and Music Conference Performances just to name a few. The BGLF has been instrumental in supporting these types of experiences for our students. When provided the opportunity to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the BGLF supported all endeavors with helping to provide the funding to travel to New York in 2012.

Most importantly, the Blue and Gold Loyalty Foundation has supported the students in all endeavors from assisting with the purchase of school supplies, books, food, and at times emergency lodging. Their support has helped to develop the program and support each and every student who has participated. As Director of Bands at North Carolina A&T State University, I thank the organization for always supporting the operation of the program and supporting the student’s needs. – ALL OF THEM! 

I thank every member of your support and participation in the BGLF and it’s worthwhile cause.

Sincerely,