Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff is the Director of Bands for the NC A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine. He is the driving force behind the success of the ensemble. Dr. Ruff lends his unwavering support towards Golden Delight and works to make sure the ladies are properly integrated into the field shows. He has an extensive knowledge of the craft and decades of experience in the world of HBCU bands. Dr. Ruff is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and a host of professional organizations. He served as an assistant band director for many years before becoming Head Director in 2003. He is a graduate of NC A&T and received his doctorate from UNC-Greensboro. Dr. Ruff also once served as Head Drum Major for the Blue & Gold Marching Machine.
Tiffany Shelton
Ms. Tiffany is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a 2002 graduate of NC A&T SU and has a Masters of Public Administration from NC State University. Ms. Tiffany is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership. She works closely with the Director of Bands to generate the overall vision, marketing and strategic direction of the ensemble. She is very hands-on with the day to day operations including uniform design, show design and choreography, web /social media presence and leadership development. Ms. Tiffany marched on Golden Delight from 1997-1999.
Ms. Tiffany is a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc., an active member of the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and several human resources and training professional organizations. She serves as an adjudicator across the eastern and southern parts of the country and mentors high school and collegiate band auxiliary advisors and coaches. She works for the City of Greensboro at the Deputy Director of Human Resources and is the owner/CEO of Shelton Development Solutions, LLC a Leadership Development and Coaching practice. Season 2023 is her 24th season on staff.
Having a dynamic season requires a team of dedicated individuals that have a passion for what they do. From the rigorous fall semester to the off season of planning and preparation, the work is never done. The Machine is fueled by a great deal by the people you can't see...
Ms. Tanika is a native of Greensboro, NC. She is a 1999 graduate of NC A&T State University in early childhood education. She worked with auxiliary units on both the high school and collegiate level. Ms. Tanika marched on Golden Delight from 1994-1997.
Ms. Tanika is currently the owner of a Tanika Dean & Co, a studio teaching baton twirling and all genres of dance to youth and adults as well as managing dancers for performances within professional artists in the industry. With a multitude of community connections and affiliations, she is able to use her leverage to provide meaningful opportunities for squad members. Ms. Tanika is solely responsible for the dynamic, creative and skilled presentations from the baton twirlers of Golden Delight. Her expertise is integral in the field shows, feature dances, stands and overall image of the ensemble.
She is a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc and the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the owner and operator of her own chain of daycares Educational Playtime Too and has recently expanded to other states. Season 2023 is her 19th season on staff.
Thank you to the following Band Staff that shows continual support for the ensemble:
Dr. Lamon Lawhorn, Assistant Director of Bands- Percussion
Mr. Thomas Warner, Assistant Director of Bands- Brass
Mr. Aaron Campbell, Assistant Director of Bands & Chief Arranger
Ms. Choni Ashley, Band Operations
Media Credits
Damien Cash, Media Team Coordinator
NC A&T Media Team for Delight Photos and Videos
Support & Resources
Theta Zeta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc.
Iota Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.
