Biography

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Max Colley III was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended the nationally recognized Northview High School where he won 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 with many internationally acclaimed musicians. In 2014, Max was named Jazz Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. Max has released 4 CD's under his own name. His latest released in 2016 is entitled “Jubilee” featuring the likes of Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb, Jon Faddis, Marcus Printup, Helen Sung, and many others. Max Served on the Michigan State Board for IAJE. Max is active in the West Michigan jazz scene 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, Lisa Sung Trio, The Bluewater Kings, and the Max Colley III Quartet/Quintet. Max was the Jazz Events Coordinator at Michigan State University for 8 years. Max works closely with Byron Center High School Jazz Program and the West Ottawa Jazz Band. Max is currently a self-employed musician and educator.