Updated: January 4, 2023
Born: October 14
Sofia Detjen (age 17) has risen to prominence in the American music scene with her big band, the Crescent Super Band, a 20-piece jazz orchestra that combines the big band swing of the 1930s and 1940s with contemporary music such as funk and jazz fusion. Recognized as the world's best youth jazz ensemble, the band in 2022 became the only group in history to win DownBeat Music Awards (the equivalent of a student GRAMMY Award) in both the large jazz ensemble and pop/rock/blues categories. As rhythm section leader since 2020, Sofia is the first female drummer in the 23-year history of the band and has toured North America to perform, from Mexico to Telluride. In 2023, the band will travel to France, Italy, and Switzerland to headline at three of the world's top jazz festivals.
With GRAMMY®-winning mentors in her corner, Sofia Detjen has opened for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, helped collect eleven DownBeat® Music Awards and eight Best of State® Awards for her bands, even as she’s played alongside members of the Saturday Night Live Band, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Tower of Power, Living Colour, Dave Matthews Band, Neon Trees, Journey, The Blues Brothers, The Killers, and famous solo artists such as Randy Brecker, Jody Espina, Dafnis Prieto, Jeff Coffin, Trombone Shorty, Poncho Sanchez, Tom “Bones” Malone, Francisco Torres, Bryan E. Miller, Robbie Connolly, Gordon Goodwin, Carl Allen, Steve Smith, and Victor Wooten.
Officially endorsed by Salt City Drums, Sofia is proudly playing DW Drums, fitted with Remo Heads, damped with TruTone dampers, matched with Zildjian Cymbals, using Vic Firth Sticks. When she travels, she uses Ahead Armor Cases and Gruvgear bags.
Awards
DOWNBEAT MUSIC AWARDS
Established in 1976, the DownBeat Student Music Awards are considered the most prestigious awards in jazz and music education.
2022
-
Crescent Super Band
Blues/Pop/Rock Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
2021
-
Crescent Super Band
Modern Big Band & American Songbook
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
2020
-
Crescent Super Band
Modern Big Band & American Songbook
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader -
Little Big Band
Big Band Swing
Drummer -
Max Headroom
Rock
Drummer -
Soul Research Foundation
Motown
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
2019
-
La Onda Caribeña
Latin Jazz & Salsa
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader -
Little Big Band
Big Band Swing
Drummer -
Vicious Beat
Pop and R&B
Drummer
2018
-
La Onda Caribeña
Latin Jazz & Salsa
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader -
Little Big Band
Big Band Swing
Drummer
UTAH BEST OF STATE AWARDS
The Best of State Awards were created in 2003 to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses in Utah. Best of State candidates are evaluated by a panel of 100 judges based on three criteria: achievement in the field of endeavor; innovation or creativity in approaches, techniques, methods, or processes; and contribution to improving the quality of life in Utah.
2022
-
Crescent Super Band
Professional Instrumental Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader -
Crescent Super Band
Professional Vocal/Instrumental Band
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
2021
-
Crescent Super Band
Professional Instrumental Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader -
Crescent Super Band
Professional Vocal/Instrumental Band
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
2020
-
Crescent Super Band
Professional Instrumental Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader -
Crescent Super Band
Professional Vocal/Instrumental Band
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
2019
- Little Big Band
Youth Instrumental Group
Drummer & Percussionist
2018
-
Little Big Band
Youth Instrumental Group
Drummer & Percussionist
Gear
Drums & cymbals.
- Zildjian K Family Cymbals
- DW Collector's Series Maple Drums in Exotic Santos Rosewood with Nickel Plated Hardware
- 18x22 Bass Drum
- 6.5x14 Ludwig Black Beauty 110th Anniversary Snare
- 7x8, 8x10, 9x12 Toms
- 12x14, 14x16 Floor Toms
Hardware.
- DW 9000 Single Pedal
- DW 5520 Dual/Accessory Hi-Hat Stand
- DW 9300 Snare Drum Stand
- DW 9900 Double Tom Stand
- DW 9700 Straight/Boom Cymbal Stand (x4)
- DWSM934 Cymbal Arm (x2)
Tags
Sofia is a devoted, disciplined professional musician who has achieved remarkable prowess at such a young age. Her insatiable hunger to learn and improve, superb skills and notable drive, and energy promise a bright future as a performer, teacher, and recording artist.
— JAY LAWRENCE
GRAMMY®–nominated recording artist and adjunct professor of music at Brigham Young University
Sofia's rhythm and timing — it's absolutely perfect. Amazing talent.
Primary Instrument
Drums
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
As a teacher, Sofia loves engaging with students who are passionate about their instrument and music as a whole. She will work with students from a wide range of backgrounds, similar to her professional career. Working hard and diligently are qualities Sofia seeks out not only in herself but also in others. Sofia provides a fun, engaging teaching environment using different method books to assist students as they reach the ultimate goal of becoming a versatile musician who can accept any gig.
Carl Allen
drums
Steve Smith
drums
Terri Lyne Carrington
drums
Gordon Goodwin
composer/conductor
Victor Wooten
bass
Jay Lawrence
drums
Jeff Coffin
saxophone
Caleb Chapman
saxophone, tenor
