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Clark Douglas Burris, the beloved music teacher who founded the legendary Rock Ensemble at Miami Beach Senior High School, passed away at 73. For 41 years, Burris conducted the program from his wheelchair, inspiring thousands of students.
Read Full Article→The Rock Ensemble from Miami Beach Senior High School received a plaque from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, honoring the program for 'Rockin' the Planet Since 1972.'
With grants from the State of Florida and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, the Rock Ensemble traveled to Kagoshima, Japan for the International Peace Summit, performing alongside groups from Australia, Italy, China, and Japan.
Clark 'Doug' Burris was inducted into the Miami Beach Senior High Alumni Association Hall of Fame for 'Recognition of his Achievements and Contributions to Society.'
MTV featured Miami Beach's Rock Ensemble, showcasing how a high school music program was producing professional-caliber performances and launching careers in the music industry.
CNN documented the remarkable story of Clark Burris, a paralyzed teacher who built one of America's most successful high school music programs, conducting from his wheelchair.
For yet another year, Miami Beach Senior High's Rock Ensemble earned a Superior rating at the Florida state music competition, continuing their streak of excellence.
If you have newspaper clippings, magazine articles, or other media from your Rock Ensemble days, help us preserve the history.
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