Jazz studies director Dick Kelly, of Decatur, plays a saxophone concerto Tuesday with the SIU Orchestra at Shryock Auditorium. Kelly has performed with other symphonies across the country as well as in France, Italy and the Dominican Republic, but this was his first time performing with the SIU Orchestra.  Kelly said he likes the freedom music offers, and he can be creative on his own terms. “I get to play for myself,” he said. “I do it for me. If other people enjoy it, that’s an added bonus.” He said it’s not that he doesn’t care about the audience, but it wouldn’t be as enjoyable if he played music to please other people. “I’ve got to be happy with myself before I can be happy with my music,” Kelly said. 

Nicole Hester-Daily Egyptian

Photo taken by Nicole Hester of the Daily Egyptian