Adam Blakey is a definite force to be reckoned with here at Millikin University. He is a senior music performance major, the saxophone being his primary instrument, but it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the alto sax, he plays the flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and bass clarinet. “My favorite to play is the alto sax,” Blakey said. “It’s what I feel most comfortable on and express myself best on.”

This year he plays in the band for the prestigious vocal jazz group One Voice, is in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz 1, the Millikin Decatur symphony Orchestra and last year was a part of the Millikin Latin Jazz Project. Surprisingly, he was not heavily involved in with music while in high school. He played the alto sax in his school’s jazz band and even made it to the All-State honors jazz band. Yet, playing and listening to jazz is what really inspired Blakey. “I listened to a lot of jazz in high school. That’s what got me into music seriously. I’ve been working with Dr. Rask since my sophomore year of high school, and he’s definitely one of my role models. He’s helped me so much.”

When asked which group at Millikin he likes to play in best, he was stumped. “Oh man… I’m not sure if I have a favorite! Each has given me a different experience and each posed different possibilities.” Blakey is already on his way to success. About three weeks ago, he finished up playing with the national tour of Chicago the Musical. “Getting to work in a real life situation was my favorite part. It was nice to get real life pay. School is nice, but getting to apply what I’ve learned to real life was really cool,” Blakey said. In terms of music, Blakey is open to new things. He listens to “just about anything” and gives everything a chance.