Founded in 1972 by the late music educator Doug Burris at Miami Beach Senior High School, the student-led Miami Beach Rock Ensemble is recognized as the first high school rock ensemble in the United States. Comprising musicians, a stage crew, and a sound engineering team, the ensemble comes together to play classic and modern rock, and lends vocational experience to its members through engaging them in professional environments at a young age.
 Many professional musicians and sound engineers have passed through the ensemble’s ranks over its 54-year run.