Herbert "Herb" Leland Carter, Jr. taught as Director of Bands at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, from 1946 to 1987. He graduated from Murray State University where he began his career as a clarinetist and jazz musician. During World War II, he served in the Unites States Air Force as a woodwind specialist and conductor. After the war, he earned a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University and continued to study at the Julliard School of Music in New York.

He established the band program at East Carolina University, formerly East Carolina Teachers College. During his tenure, he was a dynamic partner in the growth of the School of Music, serving as Director of Bands and Chair of the Instrumental Music Department. He established the first jazz band, "The Collegians," began the ECU Summer Music Camp, and conducted state high school band clinics, served as adjudicator for music festivals across the country and recruited many musicians to ECU.

Mr. Carter's Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed at meetings of the College Band Director's National Association and the Music Educator's National Conference as well as the North Carolina Music Educators Conference. Under his direction, the wind ensemble premiered original works by such noted composers as Gould, Giannini, Dello Joio, and Persichetti. He severed as President of NCBA and Province Governor of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. He was also a member of the American Bandmasters Association. He was selected as one of the ten most outstanding music directors in the United States by the School Musician magazine and received the Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association. His students have continued his legacy throughout the United States and internationally and "Herbologies" can still be heard in band rooms everywhere.

After his retirement in 1987, Mr. Carter and his wife continued to be active in the university and community. They served as tutors, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and were active members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. They loved to play golf both in Greenville and in the North Carolina mountains where they spent their summers. Mr. Carter was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.