Max Colley Jr. – started a rock band called The JuJus in 1965, and were offered a national contract. They were inducted into the Michigan Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. He taught the GRJC Jazz Band 1968, was Associate Professor of Music at Calvin College teaching jazz and sax for several years, saxophonist with the GR Symphony 1969-71, band leader of the Blue Max, played in the Ken Udell Orchestra, and is currently a sub in the River City Jazz Orchestra. He is a worship leader at Bella Vista Church in Rockford.
Most of Max's accolades are for his teaching of which he is very proud. He taught at Northview for 40 years. In 1988 he was selected Michigans’ Band Teacher of the Year, in 1998 National Impact Teacher of the Year and 2006 the “Outstanding Educator Award” by the MCBA and in 2010 The Northview Performing Arts Center was named after him.
Still he remains most proud of the accomplishments of his students, many who have careers as conductors, teachers, classical, jazz and pop musicians and of course his five children and eight grandchildren.
Most of Max's accolades are for his teaching of which he is very proud. He taught at Northview for 40 years. In 1988 he was selected Michigans’ Band Teacher of the Year, in 1998 National Impact Teacher of the Year and 2006 the “Outstanding Educator Award” by the MCBA and in 2010 The Northview Performing Arts Center was named after him.
Still he remains most proud of the accomplishments of his students, many who have careers as conductors, teachers, classical, jazz and pop musicians and of course his five children and eight grandchildren.