In a tiny practice room in the Music Building, Adam Davis’ towering upright bass seems even more massive. As he plays a small part of Bach’s 3rd Cello Suite, his passion for the music is obvious. Since picking up the upright bass at age 10, Davis, sophomore in LAS, has established an impressive resume that includes both local and international symphony orchestras.

Davis was 15 when he began playing professionally, or as he said, “when people started paying me to play.” Although he is not involved with any music groups directly affiliated with the University, he plays with a local organization called the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, whose next performance will take place at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on March 9.

Davis, though not obligated, is committed to practicing his art.

“I practice two to four hours a day every day,” he said. “The time commitment does take away from time to do homework, but it doesn’t really impact me.”

Lee Mirowitz, Davis’s roommate and a junior in LAS, confirmed Davis’ dedication to his instrument.

“He makes time to practice every day, but he doesn’t let it consume him,” he said.

Mirowitz said that Davis is also passionate about chess and makes time to practice it, as well as complete all of his schoolwork.

“He makes sure that things that are important to him all have a good fraction of his time,” Mirowitz said. “If he doesn’t think something is important, he doesn’t worry about it.”

Rhett Bradley, fellow bassist and junior in LAS, said Davis’ hard work pays off.

“I always benefit from playing with someone better than me, and Adam is a phenomenal bassist,” Bradley said.

Bradley said that playing alongside Davis and having the ability to critique each other and share music challenges him to become a better player. 

Since becoming a professional bassist, Davis has conjured up a collection of experiences, some of which have carried him across the world. The summer after his freshman year, he earned an internship with the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra and toured Japan with the organization. During another summer, Davis toured South America with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. In August 2010, Davis played on the “Kidzapalooza” stage at the Chicago music festival Lollapalooza.

“I played with Dan Zanes (and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra) on the kids’ stage,” Davis said about the experience. “The coolest part was that I got a free artist pass.”

One of Davis’ career highlights was his performance with the Video Game Orchestra, wherein he was conducted by well-known composer Alan Silvestri, who is responsible for the scores for films such as “Back to the Future” and “Forrest Gump.”

“It was really fun and just a great experience to be able to play the music while being conducted by him,” Davis said.

Davis takes pride in his work as a musician and plans to continue playing.

Of his future, Davis said, “I’d like to be a full-time professional musician, sort of work my way up. Hopefully, I’ll be in a big city and be playing with a professional orchestra full time.”

Mirowitz, too, sees a bright future for the bassist, citing the first time he met Davis. The friends first met this past summer, when Davis came to the dining hall where Mirowitz was eating.

“He asked if I wanted to hear him play and ended up lugging this giant instrument into the cafeteria,” Mirowitz said. “He performed his upright bass for everyone in the dining hall, and I was amazed.”

Mirowitz describes Davis’ diverse interests and his passion for the things he does a “breath of fresh air.” Bradley describes Davis’ musical skills as “phenomenal.” However, Davis describes himself just as a “normal student.” 

Hannah can be reached at [email protected].