The 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.
Leadership
Sammy Gonzalez
Executive Director (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.
Michael McNamee
Assistant Director (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.
AJ Hill
Artistic Director (2019 - Current)
Saxophone player of the world-renown Spam All Star's and alumni of the program, AJ focuses on directing vocalists and helping the band find their unique sound.
Previous Directors
Iran Garcia (2012-17)
Frankie Trullenque (2016-17)
Clark Douglass Burris, Founder (1972-2012)
Join the Band
Interested in joining the Rock Ensemble? Auditions are open to all students with a passion for music, performance, or production.
Rock Ensemble in Action
With a Little Help from My Friends
Black Dog
Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin Cover)
Panama (Van Halen Cover)
A Tribute to Doug Burris
“Walk & Roll” – The Memoir
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.
Notable Alumni
AJ Hill (1977-79)
Member of World-Renowned, Latin Grammy–nominated band Spam Allstars / Creative Director, MBRE
Michael McNamee (1980-81)
Guitar and Vocals of The Macsters / Assistant Director, MBRE
Sammy Gonzalez (2000-02)
Founder of largest Miami-Dade music education non-profit, Young Musicians Unite / Executive Director, MBRE
Ann Curless (1979-82)
Member of '80s trio Exposé (8 Top 10 hits incl. #1 “Seasons Change”)
Fernando Perdomo (1995-96)
Pro guitarist/producer; tours with Jakob Dylan & Fiona Apple
Adam Chester (1979-81)
Elton John’s rehearsal pianist; author of S’Mother
Roger Houdaille (1996-99)
Founder of indie-pop band Ex Norwegian
Rachel Goodrich (2000-01)
Songwriter titled “Queen of the Miami indie rock scene” by New York Times
David Chesky (1973-74)
Co-founder of Chesky Records; composer and producer
Eve Nelson (1980–82)
Emmy Award-winning television composer
Ceci Leon (2000-01)
Member of Latin Grammy–nominated trio Darumas
Rockin’ The Planet Since 1972
