Berklee Really Eclectic Orchestra (BREO)
Free from music stands and a traditional repertoire, the Berklee Really Eclectic Orchestra (BREO) is a high school ensemble for string players who long for a place to learn to improvise and play popular music together. Created during Berklee's Five-Week summer program and dubbed the Five-Week String Orchestra, BREO has now expanded to include year-round rehearsals and performances. The ensemble is presented by the Professional Performance Division, in partnership with Berklee City Music®.
Develop your ear, play popular music, and learn to improvise with your friends. Enjoy two hours of jamming with other string players, facilitated by Mimi Rabson, a Berklee associate professor, and violinist. No previous experience in improvisation is necessary. During BREO jam sessions, you will:
- play contemporary music (chosen by you and your fellow students);
- learn all music by ear and receive instruction in improvisation;
- explore real-time strategies for arranging and composing; and
- jam with fellow string players interested in playing popular music.
This event is open to high school string players in the Greater Boston area. RSVP for a jam by sending an email to performancedivision@berklee.edu with the subject line "RSVP for BREO Jam." Contact us at 617-747-6276 or email performancedivision@berklee.edu for more information.
During the spring and fall, this is a weekly event occurring on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fall 2021 Schedule
- September 10, 17, and 24
- October 1, 15, 22, and 29
- November 5, 12, and 19
- December 3 and 10
On Thursday, December 16 at 4:00 p.m, there will be a concert in the Lawrence and Alma Berk Recital Hall located at 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215.
Please email Mimi Rabson at mrabson@berklee.edu for information about joining a virtual BREO gathering.
Check out BREO in the press and a 2021 interview with BREO's founder, learn about the BREO's virtual ensemble performance, and watch a video featuring former BREO students in action: