From its beginnings in the early 1900s, North Carolina Central University trained music educators and presented recitals and concerts. Luminaries such as singers Roland Hayes and Marian Anderson performed there in the early years. The long-running Lyceum Series continues to present notable performances to this day.
Allan Bone, who joined Duke University
s music department in 1944, increased the amount, quality, and visibility of local music. The 1965 founding of the Ciompi Quartet chamber ensemble exemplifies Bone s and Duke s influence in providing high quality music for the university community and townspeople. Music in Duke s magnificent gothic chapel has also been a major part of Duke s community outreach.