Page 36 - NCAT Magazine Fall 2018

Morton said he always knew that he “I worked with Dr. Hodge when I was In addition to a new home, an
wanted to march in A&T’s band after a student and just always helped endowed scholarship is being
growing up around the band, listening where I could,” Winstead said. “Now established by the children of the
to his uncle’s stories about marching I’m a gold coat staff member and was late Johnny Hodge Sr., who directed
in the band and watching old band voted president of the alumni band. the band for nearly 20 years.
tapes. Marching in A&T’s band is a My love for the band is because I’ve
family legacy for Morton. In addition worked with every part of it. I’ve never The band continues its centennial
to his mother and father, maternal really left.” celebration by calling on former
and fraternal uncles and two younger members to help collect needed
sisters marched in blue and gold. Past and present BGMM members scholarship dollars to guarantee the
say that being a part of the band directors can recruit the finest
Andre Winstead ’93, president of the changes you and helps you become musical talent.
Alumni Band Association, said that who you want to be.
seeing people like Morton is one of “BGMM is an integral part of Aggie
the beauties of marching in A&T’s Jonasha Green, a junior piccolo Pride,” Morton said. “(It) is an
band as a student and as an alumnus. player, said band changed her from excellent recruitment tool for the
the shy girl to a confident woman. university, showcasing the talent of
“When we march down the street students from all backgrounds and
in the homecoming parade, year “The BGMM has most definitely experiences on multiple platforms
after year you see families grow and helped me in the area of confidence and stages. I am truly grateful
appreciate the band,” he said. “You in my academics, future career, for band and I wish the Marching
see toddlers grow to adults and see and personal life. I have used that Machine 100 x 100 more years.”
alumni band members have kids who confidence to be my best self at all
then become alumni band members. times.” she said.
It really is a beautiful thing about
our band.” In its 100th year, A&T’s marching
band will embark on renovations for
Winstead said he had no intention of their new facility. The building will be
marching when he came to A&T 30 next door to the current facility on
years ago. But when he started, he East Lindsey Street.
never stopped.

BlUe and gold Marching Machine:
select tiMeline

A&T’s band program starts with a 50-piece band Band grows to 210 members Majorettes and flag girls added Debut performance at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Directors Jimmy Williams and Johnny Hodge Jr. name the band Blue and Gold Marching Machine Symphonic band established BGMM wins Atlanta Battle of the Bands; named a Top 10 Band by “Sports Illustrated” Wins first place at Defeat the Beat Battle of the Bands Plays Circle City Football Classic (Indianapoli

1918 1960 1964 1970s 1986 1980s 1993 2003 2005 2007 2012 2015 2016 2018 Centennial year;

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