Herbert Leland Carter Jr.

Ah, Precious Herb; Such a Mentor to me in the 1950's. As a trumpet player in the Greenville High School band, I met Herb on his visits to the band in 1948-49. I also attended Dances at Wright Auditorium when the Collegians were playing. Herb was the lead Alto Sax player. I entered ECTC in 1950, majoring in Music, and joined the band..and was estatic when I got the 3rd trumpet position with the Collegians...great bunch of guys. I spent all my spare school hours hanging out around the band...

Herb Carter is an ECU Music legend, and I am old enough to have seen him in action in the School of Music halls, rehearsals, and concerts, as well as in retirement years as he and Put took walks in our neighborhood, and later in music functions at his home in Cypress Glen. He started a generation of talented, committed, enthusiastic, and professional music educators and music therapists, and did it with class and collegiality. Thank you, Herb Carter. We will never forget you.

I was sorry to learn of Herb's passing earlier this week from Charles Schwartz. As a young faculty member at ECU in 1979, Herb and Put were like family for me and my wife Diane. Over the years Herb was my mentor, colleague, and supporter. I always appreciated the kindnesses and encouragement shown to me by both Herb and Put. They gave so much to ECU and Greenville and the School of Music is a great place today because of their love and devotion to the many students who came to ECU. I...

Pam and Pat, I have so many wonderful memories of your Dad and Mom.It seemed they were a part of our family.You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love to you all, Brooks& Coy

With his great sense of humor, Herb Carter made the hard work of music seem like fun. His influence rippled out to my own students as I tried to imitate him. That, alone, is quite a legacy. I wish Pam and Pat and their families the strength to bear such a very great loss.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Carter. I too, was one of those fortunate enough to have been a student under his mentorship. As a member of the Wind Ensemble and Summer Band Camp Assistant I learned the meaning of professionalism and friendship from a truly great man and musician. I will always cherish numerous memories of my time at ECU with both Mr. & Mrs. Carter and take them with me every day into my own classroom.

It didn't matter to Herb that Dottie was an experienced c-melody saxophonist and George didn't know there were two third-space C's on the clarinet. He saw that we were there, so he went for it. He always went for it with everything he did; and if he hesitated to go for it, Put was there to make sure he did. We love them both. They are part of us.

I had the privilege of being a member of the ECU Wind Ensemble during Mr. Carter's final year with the university. As the years have passed, I gain a deeper appreciation of that experience and will always treasure being a part of that ensemble. Although we are all saddened by his passing, I feel a tremendous sense of pride and joy for knowing such an outstanding musician, teacher, and person.

Mr. Carter was one of the reasons I attended ECU. I was honored to be in the Wind Ensemble and to work for him with band camp and as a librarian. He was my teacher and mentor, but also a wonderful friend. I cherish my memories of both Mr. and Mrs. Carter.