Dr. Robert "Bob" Romine moved to North Carolina to take the position as Director of Bands for the Department of Music at Pembroke State University (now UNCP) in 1974. His duties included directing the band program, teaching brass and percussion students and advising music education students.

The first year in the position, he organized what is now the UNCP Honors Band. Nationally known conductors and educators were selected for the high school band and area band directors were chosen for the junior high school. Some of the conductors he brought to the area were Fred Fennell, Claude T. Smith, W. Francis McBeth, Elliot Del Borgo, John Kinyon, Mark Kelly, Robert Sheldon, Frank Piersol, Robert Jager, Lt. Commander Allen E. Beck, James Swearingen, Garwood Whaley, and Edward Lisk. Dr. Romine also initiated the Solo & Ensemble Festival for the Southeastern District. Until this time, there had been none. He hosted various concerts and clinics for the area music students including concerts by the Marine Band, the Army Brass Quintet, the Michigan State Brass Quintet, the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Mel Torme, David Hickman, Randy Purcell, Rich Matteson, Timofei Dokshitzer, and many more.

During his tenure at UNCP, the one place that was difficult to find Dr. Romine was at the university itself. When he was not conducting the band or teaching lessons, he was in someone's band room, always willing to give advice when it was asked or listen when it was needed. His greatest legacy, however, is the number of directors that love him and are currently teaching in our state.