Clark “Doug” Burris
The man who built a music program from a wheelchair — and changed thousands of lives.
The Extraordinary Ordinary
What most people didn't know about Clark “Doug” Burris was the most remarkable thing about him. He was paralyzed from the neck down.
He couldn't demonstrate a chord. Couldn't strum a guitar. Couldn't tap out a rhythm. And yet, for 41 years, he built one of the most successful high school music programs in American history — conducting from his wheelchair.
The Rock Ensemble he founded at Miami Beach Senior High School in 1972 would go on to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, tour Japan, appear on MTV and CNN, and earn countless “Superior” ratings at state competitions. His students didn't just learn music — they learned how to overcome, how to excel, how to become something greater than they imagined.
“I love you Burris… You made me who I am.”
— Nelson Ramos, Class of 1995
A Life in Music
Born in Paterson, New Jersey
Clark Douglas Burris enters the world.
Growing up in Monroe, New York
Attended Monroe-Woodbury Central School. Developed his passion for classical guitar.
Moves to Coconut Grove, Florida
Relocated to pursue his music education dreams in the sunshine state.
Masters Degree in Music Education
Graduated from University of Miami, Coral Gables. Principal instrument: classical guitar. Studied under Ron Maurno, Dr. Rene Gonzalez, and Juan Mercadal.
Hired at Miami Beach Senior High
Dr. Solomon Lichter brings Burris on to teach music. He immediately begins forming a guitar ensemble with motivated students.
Rock Ensemble is Born
What started as an after-school guitar group transforms into the Rock Ensemble — a program that would change hundreds of lives.
Building the Legend
Year after year, Rock Ensemble earns Superior ratings. Tours expand: Lakeland, Orlando, New Orleans, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Performance
Rock Ensemble is invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland — receiving a plaque for 'Rockin' the Planet Since 1972.'
Alumni Hall of Fame Induction
Inducted into the Miami Beach Senior High Alumni Association Hall of Fame for 'Recognition of his Achievements and Contributions to Society.'
Japan Tour
With grants from the State of Florida and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, Rock Ensemble travels to Japan for the International Peace Summit in Kagoshima. They perform alongside groups from Australia, Italy, China, and Japan.
Retirement After 41 Years
After four decades of teaching, Burris retires from Miami Beach Senior High. The program he built continues to inspire.
Passing
Clark Douglas Burris passes away at age 73. His legacy lives on through thousands of students whose lives he transformed.
By the Numbers
Years Teaching
Rock Hall Performance
Lives Changed
Program Founded
Achievements & Honors
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performance and plaque (1999)
Miami Beach Sr. High Alumni Association Hall of Fame (2000)
International tour to Japan — Peace Summit (2001)
Countless 'Superior' ratings at state competitions
Features on MTV, CNN, and major media outlets
Further Reading
Miami Herald Obituary→Share Your Burris Story
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