Ernest Whitehead is one of our security guards, but he is also a talented saxophonist. He has dedicated six years to ensuring the safety of the school and 30 years to playing the saxophone.
“I originally started playing the saxophone while I attended church at an early age,” said Whitehead. “I played [the saxophone] until I was in middle school, and [I] quit playing due to peer pressure [from friends].”
Whitehead stopped playing the saxophone in school and decided to concentrate on sports, which helped him earn a scholarship for wrestling. Even though he did not play music in school, he continued to play in his downtime.
“My favorite song to play [on the saxophone] is a song named “Just the Two of Us”, said Whitehead. “Made and produced by Grover Washington Jr.”
Whitehead has two family members here at Salem. His younger sister, Mrs. Michelle Lard, and his cousin, Mr. Bryan Everett, are counselors here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9bRHPLWmqw (Whitehead performing)
“I played the clarinet, but we never played together because he was two years older. Still, we were under the same band instructor,” said Lard. “However, he plays at church every Sunday and I sing in the choir.”
One of Lard’s favorite songs for Whitehead to play is “Falling In Love With Jesus” by Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum. When asked about a fond memory of him playing, she recalled when their father died and how Whitehead performed a sermonic solo during the ceremony. She admired him for being so brave.
“Mr. Whitehead has always been a talented saxophone player. He [Mr. Whitehead] is the talented member of the family and is truly awesome,” said Everett.
Everett’s favorite song that Whitehead plays is “Rainy Days and Mondays,” because he is a fan of The Carpenters.
“I perform at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront during the summer,” said Whitehead, “[and] currently, I play live music at the Norfolk Hilton (Vaira Restaurant) once a week.”
Whether he’s patrolling the halls of Salem or performing on stage, Ernest Whitehead’s passion and purpose shine through. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and family — a reminder that talent can flourish in unexpected places. From securing the safety of students to sharing the soulful sound of his saxophone, Whitehead continues to strike the right notes both on and off campus.
