Campbell ’04 Named Interim Director of A&T's Renowned Bands

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 19, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named Aaron J. Campbell ’04 interim director of bands.

Campbell’s appointment takes effect July 1, following the retirement of Kenneth Ruff ’90, ‘93, Ed.D., after 23 years as N.C. A&T director of bands.

Campbell brings more than 25 years of musical leadership, arranging excellence and dedicated service to the university’s nationally recognized band program. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound, tradition and artistic identity of the world-renowned Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) through his work as assistant director of bands and chief arranger.

In his interim role, Campbell will oversee all aspects of the University Band Program, including BGMM, concert ensembles, pep band, student leadership development, recruitment initiatives and academic success, as well as the continued advancement of the program’s tradition of excellence. His extensive experience in arranging, conducting and music education positions him well to lead the organization into its next chapter.

“Mr. Campbell is an accomplished musician, educator and proud Aggie whose deep understanding of our culture, traditions and commitment to excellence makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Blue and Gold Marching Machine during this important transition,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II. “His longstanding dedication to our students and his passion for the legacy of Aggie bands will help ensure the continued success and national prominence of this beloved program.”

Campbell earned his B.M. in electronic music from A&T and M.M. in music education from East Carolina University. He also holds a licentiate degree in music teacher education from North Carolina Central University.

In addition to his service at his alma mater, Campbell has served as director of bands at Neal Middle School and Oak Ridge Military Academy while also earning distinction as an adjudicator, composer and arranger for programs throughout North Carolina and across the nation.

“The university looks forward to Mr. Campbell’s leadership, vision, and continued commitment to student success, musical excellence, and the proud traditions of Aggie bands,” said Christopher C. Catching, Ed.D., vice chancellor for Student Affairs, home to the University Band Program.

BGMM has been a fixture in the upper echelons of university marching bands for generations, and has been particularly prominent over the past 25 years. It performed in the 2024 Rose Bowl Parade, won the inaugural ESPN Division I HBCU Band of the Year in 2023 and received three consecutive Band of the Year titles from HBCU Sports in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

It also performed in the 2014 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, serves as the official band of the NFL Carolina Panthers and has been one of the most frequently invited bands to perform in the Honda Battle of the Bands over the 23 years that showcase has been in existence.

BGMM's storied drumline, Cold Steel, was the model for the fictitious Atlanta A&T drum ensemble in the 2002 film, "Drumline," and its sequel, "Drumline: A New Beat" in 2014. Those films' stars included Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, Zoe Saldaña, Mario Van Peebles and LeToya Luckett.