Our Directors

Mr. Jeff Whitsett is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and is a life-long Moravian. Jeff has taught music both in the public schools as well as private lessons and has been a member of the Salem Band since 1972, directing it since 1992. He is a charter member of the Piedmont Wind Symphony and serves as their Principle Euphonium and Associate Conductor. He is currently a Vice President with J.W. Pepper & Son where he manages their Regional Marketing Center covering N.C., S.C. & TN. Along with his responsibilities with the Salem Band Jeff also is the Director of Moravian Church Bands in Winston-Salem. Originally from Winston-Salem Jeff now calls Mount Airy home where he lives with his wife, Beverly Huffman, whose unfailing support makes possible all of these opportunities for Jeff.

Mr. Ed Baity has directed the Salem Intermediate Concert Band since 2006 and became the associate director of the Salem Band in 2007. Mr. Baity was born in the Bethesda Naval Hospital but a lifelong resident of W-S. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and Appalachian State University. Mr. Baity did graduate studies at ASU and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. He taught public school band programs for 23 years. Mr. Baity holds the position of Principal Tuba- Western Piedmont Symphony, 1976 to present; Salisbury Symphony, 1982 to present; Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra, 1991 to present.