While doing graduate work at Columbia University in New York City, he studied clarinet with Reginald Kell who had immigrated to the U.S. in 1948.
A classically trained clarinetist, Breeden also played saxophone and studied composition and arranging at Texas Christian.
In the last several years of his life, Breeden frequently soloed on clarinet with The Official Texas Jazz Orchestra.
[3] In 2009, The University of North Texas awarded Breeden with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
[5] The Associated Press release of Breeden's death referred to him as a legendary director who made the One O'Clock Lab Band internationally famous.