Biography
Max Colley III was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, He attended the nationally recognized Northview High School where he earned numerous awards including outstanding soloist at the Aquinas College, Central Michigan, Sonny Stitt, and Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festivals and won the Jimmy Forrest Memorial Scholarship. Max was a member of the 1986/1987 McDonalds All-American Band and Jazz Band.
Max received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. Max has studied with Tim Froncek, Ken Olson, Greg Alley, Daniel Kovats, Dennis Horton, Marcus Belgrave, Rob Smith, Bobby Shew, and Jon Faddis.
Max has performed for 3 presidents, many entertainers, and internationally acclaimed musicians. In 2014, Max was named Jazz Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society.
Max has released 5 projects under his own name. In 2016 Max released “Jubilee” featuring the likes of Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb, Jon Faddis, Marcus Printup, Helen Sung, and many others. Max’s latest release in 2023, is entitled “Till I See You” which is a tribute to his late wife. The project takes one on a musical journey through his and his wife’s cancer season. So many beautiful musicians joined Max on this project including, Bruce Barth, Walter Blanding, The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, Alvin Chea, Chris Crenshaw, Xavier Davis, Randy Napoleon, Marcus and Riza Printup, John Webber, Todd Williams, and many others.
Max Served on the Michigan State Board for IAJE. Max is active in the West Michigan jazz scene both teaching, giving clinics and workshops, and performing on trumpet and drums. Max has performed with or been a member of The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Bob Taylor’s Mid-Town Horns, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra, The Gull Lake Orchestra, Evidence, Gumbo Nuveau, Grupo Aye, The John Shea Trio, The Lisa Sung Trio, The Bluewater Kings and the Max Colley III Trio/Quartet/Quintet.
Max was the Jazz Events Coordinator at Michigan State University for 8 years. Max is currently a self-employed musician and educator and works or has worked closely with the award winning Byron Center High School Jazz program, The West Ottawa Jazz Band, and The Rockford Jazz Band.
Max has toured as a musician and educator across the United States, Indonesia, and Japan.
Max received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. Max has studied with Tim Froncek, Ken Olson, Greg Alley, Daniel Kovats, Dennis Horton, Marcus Belgrave, Rob Smith, Bobby Shew, and Jon Faddis.
Max has performed for 3 presidents, many entertainers, and internationally acclaimed musicians. In 2014, Max was named Jazz Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society.
Max has released 5 projects under his own name. In 2016 Max released “Jubilee” featuring the likes of Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb, Jon Faddis, Marcus Printup, Helen Sung, and many others. Max’s latest release in 2023, is entitled “Till I See You” which is a tribute to his late wife. The project takes one on a musical journey through his and his wife’s cancer season. So many beautiful musicians joined Max on this project including, Bruce Barth, Walter Blanding, The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, Alvin Chea, Chris Crenshaw, Xavier Davis, Randy Napoleon, Marcus and Riza Printup, John Webber, Todd Williams, and many others.
Max Served on the Michigan State Board for IAJE. Max is active in the West Michigan jazz scene both teaching, giving clinics and workshops, and performing on trumpet and drums. Max has performed with or been a member of The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Bob Taylor’s Mid-Town Horns, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra, The Gull Lake Orchestra, Evidence, Gumbo Nuveau, Grupo Aye, The John Shea Trio, The Lisa Sung Trio, The Bluewater Kings and the Max Colley III Trio/Quartet/Quintet.
Max was the Jazz Events Coordinator at Michigan State University for 8 years. Max is currently a self-employed musician and educator and works or has worked closely with the award winning Byron Center High School Jazz program, The West Ottawa Jazz Band, and The Rockford Jazz Band.
Max has toured as a musician and educator across the United States, Indonesia, and Japan.