Max Colley III

Max Colley III, trumpet player for Truth in Jazz Orchestra, received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University and taught in public schools for ten years. He has studied with Tim Froncek, Ken Olson, Greg Alley, Daniel Kovats, Dennis Horton, Marcus Belgrave, Rob Smith, Bobby Shaw, and Jon Faddis.

Max has won numerous musical awards including outstanding soloist the Aquinas College, Central Michigan, Sonny Stitt, and Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festivals. He also was awarded the Jimmy Forrest Memorial Scholarship.

“Jazz has taken me across the world and I have met many of the greats of this music, both past and present. God has blessed me to come across so many beautiful people and places because of this great American art form we call jazz,” Max reflects.

He was a member of the prestigious McDonald’s All-American High School Band and Jazz Band in 1987 and has performed for three presidents, many entertainers, as well as internationally acclaimed musicians including Louis Bellson, John Pattitucci, Jon Faddis, Bobby Shaw, Frank Mantooth, Maria Schneider, Bob Hope, The Lawrence Welk All-Stars, The Lettermen, Bob Newhart, The Temptations, Wess Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Belgrave, Robin Eubanks, Marcus Printup, The Temptations, Todd Williams, Rodney Whitaker, Randy Brecker, Xavier and Quincy Davis, and Phil Woods.

Max has two CD projects under his name entitled “This I Know” and “Here I Am” and a third is soon to be released. He has served on the Michigan State Board for the International Association for Jazz Educators.

Max remains active in the West Michigan jazz scene performing on trumpet and drums with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Bob Taylor’s Mid-Town Horns, and the Truth in Jazz Orchestra. In addition he teaches private students and in clinics.