Miami Beach Rock Ensemble

Founded in 1972 by music educator Doug Burris at Miami Beach Senior High School, the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble is recognized as the first high school rock ensemble in the United States. And what began as a groundbreaking experiment in music education has grown into a historic program that continues to shape South Florida’s music scene more than 50 years later. The ensemble is student-led, bringing together young musicians, stage crew, and sound engineers who collaborate to deliver high-energy performances of both classic and modern rock. Beyond the stage, the program provides students with hands-on, vocational training in live sound, stage management, and band production – skills that prepare many alumni for successful careers in the music and audio industries.

Now operating under the nonprofit organization Young Musicians Unite (YMU), the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble remains dedicated to its founding mission: to empower students through free, high-quality music education and to provide real-world experience in professional performance settings. With its rich history and continued innovation, it stands as a symbol of Miami’s creative spirit and educational excellence.