MIAMI BEACH ROCK ENSEMBLE
Rockin’ The Planet Since 1972
THE BAND
The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble from Miami Beach Senior High School was founded by the late Doug Burris in 1972. The group is the first high school rock ensemble in our nation's history.
The student-led musical group is a culmination of musicians, stage crew, and a sound engineering team. The Rock Ensemble comes together to play classic and modern rock and lends vocational experience to its students through engaging them in professional environments at a young age.
Many professional musicians and sound engineers have passed through the ranks of the Rock Ensemble over its 52 year run.
Miami Beach Rock Ensemble Documentary
Travel with us through the legendary history of the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, started by generational music educator Clark Douglas Burris. Hear from Miami Beach Rock Ensemble students of new and old as they recount performances, stories, and look towards the future of musicians that aim to change the world.
In Loving Memory of Clark "Doug" Burris: 1942 - 2016
Miami Beach Rock Ensemble In Action
Walk & Roll
Memoir by Clark Douglas Burris
“Walk & Roll” is a memoir by Clark Douglas Burris, published in September 2015. The book chronicles Burris’s remarkable journey as a pioneer in music education. In 1972, he founded the Miami Beach Senior High School Rock Ensemble, one of the first programs of its kind globally.
This initiative provided students with a unique opportunity to explore and perform rock music within an academic setting, blending traditional education with contemporary music culture. The memoir delves into Burris’s personal experiences, challenges, and the impact of his innovative approach on music education.
LEADERSHIP
Director / Sammy Gonzalez Zeira (2017-Current)
Founder of the non-profit Young Musicians Unite, owner at Wynwood School of Music and Miami Music Productions. Sammy is a past Rock Ensemble Alumnus of the program under the late Doug Burris and Michael McNamee.
Assistant Director / Michael McNamee (1994-Current)
Guitarist and Vocalist for The Macsters. Mac has led as Assistant Director since 1994 and was an alumnus of the program under the late Doug Burris.
Artistic Director / A.J. Hill (2019-Current)
Saxophone player of the world-renown Spam All Star's.
