NC A&T College of Arts & Sciences

News & Events

BATTLE OF THE BANDS! Vote for Blue and Gold!

The Blue & Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University has joined nearly 5,000 student-musicians from 45 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in taking their first steps on "The Road to the Honda," in hopes of being one of the eight lucky bands slated to finish their journey in Atlanta, Ga., at the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase, scheduled to take place Sat., Jan. 30, 2010 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, is the world's largest and most highly anticipated HBCU musical event of its kind. The Invitational Showcase not only serves as a platform to highlight and showcase the heritage and showmanship of the HBCU college marching bands, but it also serves as the only national music scholarship program of its kind. For the 2010 program, the A&T Blue & Gold Marching Machine is among the 45 participating bands that will receive a $1,000 grant for their musical programs, with an additional $20,000 awarded to the eight institutions selected to advance to the 2010 Invitational Showcase.

"We really are looking forward to participating again this year and showcasing the Blue & Gold Marching Machine's talent," said A&T Band Director, Dr. Kenneth Ruff. "We need the support of everyone," Ruff added. Aggies and A&T supporters are encouraged to go online and vote daily until Oct. 30.

Formerly known as the Celebration Tour, the "Road to the Honda," running now through October 30, is the path 45 HBCU bands must take in order to earn a spot on the national stage at the Invitational Showcase. HBCU bands will face-off throughout the fall football season, displaying the distinctive precision marching styles, inspired choreography and colorful pageantry that make the HBCU marching band experience an incomparable one. As in past years, the nation's top HBCU marching bands chosen to participate in the Invitational Showcase are selected by a combination of votes from HBCU presidents, band directors, students, alumni and fans. Fans can vote online now at www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com to send the Blue & Gold Marching Machine to the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.

"The Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase is truly an unforgettable event. It not only helps showcase the amazing musical talents of HBCU students, but it also gives Honda the opportunity to help make a significant monetary contribution to these college music programs," said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. "The nation's current economic crisis has had a dire impact on black institutions, forcing many to struggle with enrollment projections and the maintenance of key programs. Despite these financial challenges America's black colleges continue to contribute to the country's cadre of black intellectuals, professionals and creative artists. Honda is proud, that even in tough economic times, we can continue to uphold our commitment to the HBCU community through this program."

Online polling for the 2010 Invitational Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase will end Friday, Oct. 30 at midnight (EST). The eight institutions selected for participation in the 2010 Invitational Showcase will be announced on Monday, November 9, 2009.

The 2010 Invitational Showcase tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com and www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

Happenings
Faculty & Staff

the aggie minute!

Vote for the blue and gold marching machine!

BLACK NATIVITY

Jazz Ensemble

The 'A&T News Minute' is hosted by JOMC majors and produced through the facilities of the North Carolina A&T State University Television Studio. The 'A&T News Minutes' are recorded daily to update the Aggie Community on important happenings on and around campus. If you would like to submit an item for the 'A&T News Minute' please email the event details to kpdevann@ncat.edu

Back by popular demand, the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Department of Visual & Performing Arts, Theatre Arts Program will present its annual production of "Black Nativity" by Langston Hughes.

This high-energy gospel musical chronicles the birth of Christ using vibrant songs and dance of praise and worship. Storytellers guide the viewer through the glorious words of the Holy Scripture allowing the audience to fully experience this biblical story.

Show dates and times will be Thursday - Friday, Dec. 3-4 at 8 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday, Dec. 5-6, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Harrison Auditorium. Tickets are: $15 - general admission; $10 - senior citizens; $10 - non A&T students and $5 – children 12 and under. A&T students are free with Aggie One Card.

For more information call the Ticket Office at 336.334.7749.

Date	Thusday, November 19, 2009
Event	Duke Ellington was one of the most popular and prolific composers, pianists and big band leaders in the world. A&T’s Jazz Orchestra commemorates Ellington with “A Salute to Duke” directed by A&T Music Department adjunct professor and director of jazz, noted jazz trumpeter and composer Mondre Moffett. Moffett performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, from 1995 to 2000. Ellington’s music is so rich and varied that it really is a treasure trove of very artistic entertainment and music education at the same time. The first half of the concert features music by other jazz greats such as John Coltrane and W.C. Handy, leading up to the exciting Salute to Duke.
Location	Harrison Autorium 1601 E. Market St. NC A&T State University Greensboro, NC 27411
Ticket Information	General Admission - $10.00 Non-A&T Students - $5.00 A&T Students Free with Aggie One Card
Box office Information	336-334-7749

FACULTY AND STAFF IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
The new chairperson of the Department of Foreign Languages, Dr. Jose Bravo de Rueda, seeks to combine teaching of languages with teaching of culture. Ongoing community service outreach efforts and a special cross-campus initiative this fall exemplify his vision. Born in Lima, Peru, Bravo de Rueda moved to the U.S. in 1989 and attended the University of Maryland, where he received his master’s and Ph.D. In 1995, Bravo de Rueda was hired as an adjunct instructor at North Carolina A&T State University. Since then, he has gained experience of how the department works; networking with other chairpersons and friends also gave him insight on how to do the job. (Read More)	Dr. Goldie Byrd has been invited to speak at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington DC, on the topic of Alzheimer. Read the invitation letter here. Congratulations, Dr. Byrd!	Dr. Sarita D. Jackson, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, has been selected as a Fulbright scholar to the Dominican Republic. Dr. Jackson will conduct research on the impact of business associations on the U.S.-Dominican Republic and Central American free trade negotiations. Her project titled, “DR-CAFTA from the Room Next Door,” will be funded from January to May 2010. In addition, Dr. Jackson gave a guest lecture at UNC-Charlotte on March 25, 2009 upon receiving an invitation from the Latin American Studies program. Her lecture titled, “International Power through Multilateral Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean," was based on a current research project analyzing the establishment of particular institutions among the developing countries in the Western Hemisphere.