Max Colley III - trumpet (class of 1987)
Max Colley III was honored by being named the 2014 Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. He is currently on staff in the Jazz department at Michigan State University. While in high school Max was selected to the McDonalds All-American Band and Jazz Band and actually did his first national tours with that band which was led by Bob Curnow of Stan Kenton Fame. He graduated with a music education degree from CMU and taught for ten years before going free- lance. He continues to be very busy on the music education scene however, lending his expertise to several schools in the State.
Max has played with many famous musicians including Louis Bellson, John Pattucci, Marcus Belgrave, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis,Wes Anderson, Xavier and Quincy Davis to mention a few. He has released three of his own albums. He continues to play locally with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, the Mid-Town Horns and the Truth In Jazz Orchestra and well as his own self named quartet.
Max Colley III was honored by being named the 2014 Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. He is currently on staff in the Jazz department at Michigan State University. While in high school Max was selected to the McDonalds All-American Band and Jazz Band and actually did his first national tours with that band which was led by Bob Curnow of Stan Kenton Fame. He graduated with a music education degree from CMU and taught for ten years before going free- lance. He continues to be very busy on the music education scene however, lending his expertise to several schools in the State.
Max has played with many famous musicians including Louis Bellson, John Pattucci, Marcus Belgrave, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis,Wes Anderson, Xavier and Quincy Davis to mention a few. He has released three of his own albums. He continues to play locally with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, the Mid-Town Horns and the Truth In Jazz Orchestra and well as his own self named quartet.