THREE GENERATIONS DEEP

When bassist Aubrey Harris earned her degree on May 13, she became the third student, spanning three generations of the Harris family, to graduate from Berklee.

Her grandfather, Les Harris, graduated in 1957, and was a member of Herb Pomeroy’s first recording band. He served as a faculty member from 1968 to 1996, teaching drums, ear training, arranging, and harmony. He also taught in the Berklee City Music Program.

Les Jr. studied drums as a kid with his father. He later enrolled at Berklee, graduating in 1983. He has played with countless top jazz acts at venues across the globe, and currently teaches at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Southern Maine, and Phillips Exeter Academy.

Les Sr. also taught the basics to Aubrey, enabling her to test out of classes and graduate in three years with a degree in songwriting. “My father and grandfather were a huge influence and very helpful to me,” she says. Aubrey, who played bass for the commencement concert, hopes to launch a career that will include co-writing and touring with top artists.