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: