Award winning baritone saxophonist and woodwind specialist Adrian Barnett has performed all across the nation at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Lollapalooza. He has been a featured soloist with symphony orchestras, jazz big bands, concert wind ensembles, and touring rock groups. Adrian earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education, a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Performance, Master of Music (M.M.) in Saxophone/Woodwind Performance from Minnesota State University, Mankato. After receiving his M.M., he returned to Minnesota State University, Mankato as part of the music faculty acting as Interim Director of Jazz Studies. Adrian is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he studied with Chip McNeill and Glenn Wilson. In 2011 Adrian won a Downbeat Award in the Jazz Soloist category for his performance on the University of Illinois Concert Jazz Band album ""Freeplay"". Adrian has shared the stage with Wayne Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Pete Christlieb, Escort, Tom Garling, Kirk Garrison, Nachito Herrera, The Hornheads, The Jack Brass Band, Kevin Mahogany, Andy Martin, Nashville Composer Collective, Jim Snidero, Spoon, The Tempations, Fred Wesley, Glenn Wilson, Jim Widner, Roy ""Futureman"" Wooten, and many more. Active not only as a performer, Adrian continues to be involved with music education. He has taught lessons at every level, from beginning band students to advanced music majors. His students have gone on to participate in All-State Jazz and Concert Band ensembles, pursue music majors at universities, have successful careers as music educators, and perform professionally. He has worked as an assistant director and head percussion instructor for marching programs, directed small and large ensembles, written music for a variety of ensembles, given numerous clinics and guest artist appearances, adjudicated festivals, is a Vandoren Artist, a Hercules Stands Artist, and an active clinician. Adrian is currently the saxophone professor at Tennessee State University and continues to teach private woodwind lessons.