School Programs

Surf Ballroom » School Programs

School Tours & Field Trips

Bring history, music, and innovation to life with a school trip to the legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum! Our curriculum-based programs are designed to engage students in grades K–12 through interactive learning, guided tours, and hands-on musical exploration.

Explore Our New MEC Immersive Space

Students can now experience the magic of music like never before in our brand-new Music Experience Center (MEC) Immersive Space. This dynamic, multi-sensory environment introduces young learners to the fundamentals of sound, rhythm, and musical expression through interactive technology, creative play, and collaborative activities. It’s a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity that sparks curiosity and creativity.

Curriculum-Based Learning

Our school tours are aligned with educational standards and focus on music history, cultural significance, and the science of sound. Each visit includes a guided tour of the historic Surf Ballroom & Museum and optional access to the MEC Immersive Space. Programs are tailored to age and grade level, ensuring a meaningful and memorable learning experience for all.

Reservations

School tours and field trips are available for groups of 10 or more students, Monday through Friday, by reservation only.
  • Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance
  • Requests must come from a teacher or school representative
  • Customizations are available to meet your curriculum goals
For booking and additional information, please contact our education coordinator.

Nikki Johnson

Education Coordinator

Classes and Programs

50s Forever Tour

Length: 60 minutes
Grades: K-12
Group Size: 10-100 Students
Curriculum Connections: English/Language Arts, Music, Social Studies

Get ready to hear the swinging Big Band music of the 40’s and that early Rock n’ Roll beat of the 50’s as students journey through the museum with a trained guide. Throughout the tour, students learn all about the pioneers of Rock n’ Roll music and the significance of the Surf Ballroom not only in our communities, but as a landmark in Rock n’ Roll history! This engaging tour also includes an exclusive video, scavenger hunt, and special keepsake.

Take a break from all the boogieing, grab your sack lunch, and sit back in one of the original booths for a full Surf experience.

NOTE: Virtual tours available.

Cool Cats

Length: 30 minutes
Grades: PreK – 1st
Group Size: 10-50 Students
Curriculum Connections: Music, Social Studies, Physical Education, Language Arts

Rock n’ Roll is here to stay! Learn about the Surf Ballroom and its ties to the early Rock n’ Roll era. In this program, students learn all about museums, what life was like in the 50’s, and how the Surf Ballroom has played a role throughout Rock n’ Roll history!

NOTE: This program can be offered on site, at the Surf Ballroom, or virtually! Pair a guided tour or virtual tour along with this program (add an extra 30 minutes if doing so).

Buddy, Bopper, Bamba

Length: 30 minutes
Grades: 2nd – 6th
Group Size:
10-50 Students
Curriculum Connections: Music, Social Studies, Physical Education, Language Arts

Did you know Ritchie Valens learned to sing in Spanish? Or that J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson played high school football? You might be surprised to learn that Buddy Holly’s first instrument was the piano!

In this interactive program, students dive into the early lives, musical influences, and groundbreaking careers of three rock ‘n’ roll legends—Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. Through stories and engaging discussion, we’ll explore how each artist helped shape the sound and spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

NOTE: This program can be offered on site, at the Surf Ballroom, or virtually! Pair a guided tour or virtual tour along with this program (add an extra 30 minutes if doing so).

Rock 'n Roll 101

Length: 30 minutes
Grades: 7th – 12th
Group Size: 10-50 Students
Curriculum Connections: Music, Social Studies, Language Arts

Where did rock ‘n’ roll come from? When did it start? And why is it impossible not to tap your feet when you hear that iconic beat?

In this energetic and informative program, students explore the roots of rock ‘n’ roll—from the musical styles that shaped it to the social movements it influenced. We’ll dive into the genre’s evolution, its lasting cultural impact, and the pivotal role the Surf Ballroom played in its story.

NOTE: This program can be offered on site, at the Surf Ballroom, or virtually! Pair a guided tour or virtual tour along with this program (add an extra 30 minutes if doing so).

Rock n’ Roll Instrument Trunk

Length: 30 minutes
Grades: 3rd – 6th Grade
Group Size: 10-50 Students
Curriculum Connections: Music, Social Studies, Language Arts

The Surf Ballroom’s new Instrument Trunk program gives area teachers the opportunity to “check out” a themed box of instruments to use in the classroom for two weeks. Students can hold and play the instruments, learn about the science of sound and explore the history of various genres of music. Each trunk includes a Teacher’s Guide and lesson plans to support the contents of the trunk. In-class experiences can then be brought to life with a visit to the Surf Ballroom and Museum to learn more about the instruments, their history and important players from the past to the present. Students feel that early Rock ‘n Roll sound with an electric guitar, bass and drum.

Building Blocks of Music

Active Listening

Grades: K-12

These guided activities help students sharpen their listening skills and develop a stronger musical ear. Designed for all grade levels, this program uses everyday objects, nature sounds, and, of course, music to encourage focus, creativity, and curiosity. A fun and engaging way to build mindfulness and appreciation for the sounds around us.

Rhythm & Time

Grades: K-12

Rhythm is everywhere—from the beat of our hearts to the crash of ocean waves. In this engaging program, students explore rhythm through movement, sound, and active listening. These hands-on activities help learners recognize patterns, build coordination, and connect music to the rhythms of everyday life in a fun and memorable way.

Volume & Pitch

Grades: K-12

Explore the fascinating science of sound by diving into key concepts such as sound waves, frequency, pitch, and intensity. Students will learn how sound is created, how it travels, and how we perceive volume and pitch in everyday life. Through guided discussions and engaging, hands-on activities, students will experiment with objects and instruments to observe how changes in vibration affect the way sound is heard. These fun and accessible activities can be done right in the classroom or at home

Classroom Bucket Drumming

Grades: K-5

Get ready to make some noise! Learn about the rich history of the Surf Ballroom and the legendary Winter Dance Party tour—then jump into the rhythm with Professor Anthony Stevens as he introduces students to the exciting world of bucket drumming.

This engaging program covers the history, form, and basic techniques of percussion using everyday materials. Ideal for virtual settings, this interactive class brings music to life in a fun and accessible way.

Free supply delivery is available to any school within a 50-mile radius of the Surf Ballroom & Museum.

Dancing Through the Decades

Grades: K-5

Get ready to move through music history! Join Kaitlin Allen-Boelman, Owner and Lead Instructor at Dance With Me Studio, for a fun, high-energy journey through the decades.

The Surf Ballroom has always had strong ties to dance—from its origins as a big band ballroom to hosting rock ‘n’ roll sock hops. In this program, students will learn about the history of the Surf and the famous Winter Dance Party tour, then explore popular dance styles from the 1950s to today.

An unforgettable way to explore the past—through the steps, songs, and stories that defined each era.

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