Home » Jazz Musicians » Sofia Detjen

Sofia Detjen

14x DownBeat Music Award-winning percussionist, recording artist, sidewoman, collaborator, and session musician. 2023 rising first year at Harvard University (A.B.) and Berklee College of Music (M.M.)

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 2023 became the only group in history to win DownBeat® Music Awards (the equivalent of a student GRAMMY® Award) in the Large Jazz Ensemble, Latin Group, and Pop/Rock/Blues Group categories. As rhythm section leader since 2020, Sofia is the first female drummer in the 23-year history of the band and has toured the world to perform, from North America to Europe, and most recently headlined at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game weekend. In 2023, the band will travel to France, Italy, and the Netherlands 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.

2023

Crescent Super Band
Blues/Pop/Rock Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Large Jazz Ensemble
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader
Crescent Super Band
Latin Group
Drummer & Rhythm Section Leader

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

STERLING SCHOLAR AWARD

Issued by Deseret News and KSL Broadcast Group, Sofia Detjen, a Lone Peak High School senior, was publicly recognized and awarded for the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship in the State of Utah. After presenting an all-encompassing portfolio of her work in Instrumental Music, she was evaluated via in-depth interviews with judging panels in the category's field over four months at the high school, semi-final, and finals levels, winnowed down from 80 of Utah’s best music scholars.

2023

Sterling Scholar
Instrumental Music
Drumset

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.

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.

— TOM "BONES" MALONE
Founding member of The Blues Brothers, Saturday Night Live Band, and the CBS Orchestra, the house band for the Late Show with David Letterman

Sofia is capable of pursuing a career in music at the highest levels. She is a hard worker who is focused and open to a variety of musical scenarios, backed by constant exposure to a wide range of industry professionals like myself. I expect to hear a lot more from her in the future!

— JEFF COFFIN
3x GRAMMY® Award-winner, saxophonist, composer, Vanderbilt University educator, and member of the legendary U.S. rock group Dave Matthews Band

I have had the pleasure of working with Sofia for the last six years. She is— without question—one of the finest musicians to ever come through our program, and by far one of the best drummers I have had the opportunity to record, perform, and collaborate with in my 30-year career.

— CALEB CHAPMAN
Caleb Chapman, 2x GRAMMY®–nominated educator, Founder/CEO of Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse, and Past President of Jazz Education Network

Sofia is a once-in-a-decade student, far far above the average. I have been her fan through her high school years and have even hired her for professional events. Her musical sensitivity and percussion skills are way off the charts, not to mention what a fine person she is. I highly recommend her with no reservations.

— DR. RAY SMITH
Professor Emeritus at Brigham Young University. Former Director of Jazz Studies at BYU and the award-winning big band Synthesis.

Sofia is a marvelous musician. She hears the music, and her rhythm is outstanding.

— BOB BREITHAUPT
Past President of Percussive Arts Society and VP of Jazz Education Network

I have known Sofia for a very long time. Her dedication to her craft is hard to match! I have seen her grow better and better every time I've seen her play. Whether it's drums, congas, timbales, etc., she has the knowledge and expertise to play them all at a high level. She is selfless and committed to supporting whatever ensemble she is a part of. Bravo, Sofia!

— FRANCISCO TORRES
3x GRAMMY® Award-winner, 5x GRAMMY® -nominee, trombonist, and musical director for Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band and member of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band

Show less

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.