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Explore how the Surf Ballroom & Museum brings music education to life through immersive programming, dynamic resources, and real-world learning opportunities.
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Programs & Resources
From guided school tours and curriculum-based camps to interactive workshops and immersive technology at the new Music Experience Center (MEC), our programs are designed to spark creativity and deepen students’ understanding of music history and culture.
Lessons
School Programs
Designed to align with educational standards, our tours and in-classroom support resources bring history to life.
Classes & Workshops
Seasonal programs offer hands-on opportunities for students to explore music, storytelling, and performance.
Music Experience Center
Open July 2025 – a state-of-the-art space blending technology and history to create unforgettable learning experiences.
Internship Opportunities
Surf Ballroom Rave On Internship Program
Program Overview: The Surf Ballroom is proud to offer the Rave On Internship Program, an innovative initiative designed to foster workforce development skills among high school and college level students. This dynamic program concentrates on two key areas: Museum Administration and the Surf’s annual summer concert series, Surf Sounds.
Interns will learn the ins and outs of museum administration, assisting with the exciting opening of the new Music Experience Center, slated to open July 2025. This role will involve absorbing essential details of the Surf Ballroom’s history, undergoing museum docent training, and performing a broad spectrum of public relations and educational outreach duties.
Beyond Museum Administration, interns will gain hands-on experience by engaging in the Surf Ballroom’s celebrated Surf Sounds summer concert series. This initiative supports local musicians and live music, offers a free concert series to the North Iowa community, and promotes the Surf Ballroom’s educational endeavors.
Surf Sounds Program Details:
- Booking: Interns will learn the intricacies of event booking, including act selection and contract negotiation, under the guidance of experienced staff.
- Marketing: Participants will engage in all marketing aspects, from digital promotions to public relations, to ensure broad community reach and engagement.
- Production: Interns will acquire practical experience in stage management, camera operation, and audio engineering, contributing significantly to the technical aspects of live performances.
Mission of Surf Sounds: Surf Sounds is more than just a concert series; it’s a community-driven initiative that fosters local engagement through live music. The program supports the Surf Ballroom’s educational initiatives through free-will donations, which bolster the Surf
Scholarship program and various outreach efforts.
Culminating Experience: The internship concludes with the interns fully managing the final show of the series. This responsibility includes booking the act, spearheading promotional efforts, and overseeing all production aspects, all under the mentorship of Surf staff. This capstone experience offers unparalleled educational value.
Program Goals:
- Educational Enhancement: This internship blends real-world experiences with academic learning, deepening students’ understanding and appreciation of their studies through practical application.
- Community Connection: Strengthen ties with local school districts by providing students with tangible training in specialized fields.
- Professional Networking: Facilitate opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and cultivate relationships that could significantly influence their future careers.
Eligibility: The Rave On Internship Program is open to high school students in grades 9–12 and college-level students who have a strong interest in the creative arts sector. This hands-on program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about music, history, and the arts, and who are eager to explore the behind-the-scenes work that brings live music events, educational programming, and community experiences to life. Interns will gain valuable insight into event coordination, museum operations, and arts administration while also having the unique opportunity to be involved in the grand opening of a brand-new immersive museum, the Music Experience Center.
Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their interest in the program to education@surfballroom.com by May 9th, 2025.
Join us at the Surf Ballroom and transform your passion for music and events into a viable career path, all while contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of North Iowa!
Part-time position: 20+ hours per week
Compensation: $11–$14/hour, depending on qualifications
Scholarships
Distance Learning & Online Resources
About Us
The Surf Ballroom is a historic landmark and cultural center in North Iowa, operated by the non-profit North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum (NICCM). The NICCM’s mission is to preserve the Surf Ballroom and enhance the local quality of life by providing cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences. The organization is managed by a board of directors, staff, and various committees.