The A&T Band has been in existence since the early 1930's. The 1950's brought majorettes to the program. The squad grew to incorporate flags. The late 1980's and early 1990's brought the first glimpse of what you see today. The group was then called "The Untouchables." A signature element of this time period in squad history was the "high step" march of the flags and the "A&T Majorette Arch."
The name "Golden Delight" was given to the squad in 1991-1992 season. Throughout the 1990's, under the leadership of then Assistant Band Director Kenneth Ruff, the ladies began to incorporate dance and twirling movements in their shows. The trademark of the squad soon became its versatile nature. The group was known to have the largest collection of flags and equipment in HBCU bands. An additional highlight was the use of guard equipment that was not blue and gold. Taken from a corps style inspiration, flags were used to "tell a story" and to accent the music being played by the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. Auxiliary advisors during this time were Tarsha (Winston) Reid, Stephanie (Pankey) Veal and the late Charleyne Smith. "Pankey" as she is affectionately known, was also a charter member of the band sorority Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. and continues to be a great supporter of the unit. Tarsha Reid has worked with several other performance units in the area and maintains a relationship with the current staff. These staff members held extremely high expectations for squad members and laid the foundation for squads to come.
The change of the millenium brought about a new era for the squad. Current Auxiliary Director Tiffany Brown joined the staff in 2000. These new times brought interesting changes including the first squad website, a change in uniforms and shoes, a recruitment and application process, squad development activities and a new dance style.Also working with the squad was Cortney Saunders (2000), Jerilyn Shaw Free (2001) and Lawanda McCullough Wallace (2001). Kafi Zahra (A&T Flag from 1994-1997) joined the staff from 2002-2006 and used her dynamic twirling ability to enhance the twirling level and visual presentation of the squad. In 2003, Dr. Kenneth Ruff became the director of bands at NC A&T State University and has been instrumental in the continued progress of the ensemble. Over the years the squad has continued to evolve its style and image while maintaining a close tie to past traditions and standards. In 2005, Tanika Dean Harris (A&T Majorette from 1994-1997) joined the staff and injected fresh new life to the majorette squad. Staff assistants have been Cherrief Murray (GD 2000-2002) in 2005-2006 and Turquoise Accoo (GD 2003-2006) in 2007.
Currently Mrs. Tanika and Ms. Tiffany work jointly to continue to push the envelope for the squad. In 2010, the squad saw a remarkable year! The once majorette only squad of the 1930's is now one of the top auxiliaries in HBCU marching bands. The squad was the only one of its kind until 2007 when NC Central university modeled its auxilary after Golden Delight. Trendsetters. Trailblazers. Thats who we have always been and will continue to set the standard for others to follow.
