The Internship Program at the National Music Museum (NMM) on the campus of The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a unique learning experience within a museum setting that includes broad-based collections of more than 15,000 American, European, and ethnographic musical instruments from around the world, dating from the 16th century to the present. The NMM also includes a specialized research library, one of the nation's most outstanding collections of musical instrument trade literature, various archives, a sound recording collection, and a conservation laboratory.

Within this setting, the NMM Internship Program provides substantive opportunities for students to gain practical museum experience, while helping them to develop new or expanded uses for their academic and/or professional interests.

The NMM Internship Program offers a hands-on introduction to the museum profession in a way that cannot be duplicated in the classroom or by reading books. These experiences often result in the development of graduate theses or dissertations, help students define their career goals, and bring an understanding of professional ethics and practices in museums as workplace environments.

The Arne B. Larson Band Internship program, which specifically focuses on the study of American bands, band music, and related musical instruments, provides a practical, hands-on opportunity for students interested not only in music history and performance, but also in the development of the design and construction of musical instruments, the history of the musical instrument industry, and the development of American bands. This unique internship program honors the lifetime dedication to bands and band music in America, of Arne B. Larson (b. Hanska, Minnesota, 1904-d. Vermillion, 1988), whose collections of music (in particular, the Golden Age of Bands Music Collection, 1860-1920), and 2,500 musical instruments, form the nucleus of the NMM's world-class holdings.

Two (2) Arne B. Larson Band Internships are available for funding annually. They are considered to be full-time positions at the NMM, usually lasting 13-14 weeks. Interns receive a stipend of $7.25 per hour, with a typical work schedule of approximately 37 hours a week. Living expenses are generally less than those that one would expect in most other areas of the country. Housing is the responsibility of the intern, but housing, either in USD dormitories or in the private sector, is relatively easy to find, particularly during the summer months.

Vermillion, the home of The University of South Dakota and the National Music Museum, is a typical small Midwestern town of 10,000 people, located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River valley, where the Lewis & Clark Expedition camped in August 1804 on its way west to the Pacific. Almost everything is within walking distance. Residents, students, and visitors alike delight in the clean, fresh air, marvel at the splendid sunsets, walk safely at night along tree-lined streets, and interact in the friendly, informal way typical of life on the Great Plains.

Applications require an essay that details the applicant's background, reasons for wanting to undertake an Arne B. Larson Band Internship, discussion of a specific project to be undertaken, a resumé, three (3) confidential letters of reference, and a current transcript. Applicants are encouraged to contact the NMM prior to submitting an application, to discuss the potential focus of the internship project. Individual applicants may be asked for additional information and/or to participate in an interview. Application deadline:   March 15, 2013.

Time Commitment:

Although the scheduling of the Arne B. Larson Band Internships is flexible throughout the calendar year, the NMM requires a minimum time commitment of 13-14 weeks from the successful applicant. Interns are required to work full-time (approximately 37 hours per week). Occasional weekend work may be assigned.

Academic Credit:

The Arne B. Larson Band Internship may be undertaken to fulfill an academic requirement from another institution, with prior approval from the NMM.

Former Interns and Titles of Their Projects:

• Cody Knott (University of South Dakota). Project: "Cataloging the Holton-Elkhorn Band Library at the NMM" (2012)
• Nolan Vallier (Iowa State University, Ames). Project: "Cataloging and Researching Trombone Production by the Holton Company from the Early 20th Century Through W.W. II" (2012)

Application Process:

Complete the internship application (available online in PDF format) and return it with a cover letter; three (3) confidential letters of recommendation from people who can assess the applicant's background, skills, and capabilities for the Arne B. Larson Band Internship; a resumé; an essay of at least 500 words describing the candidate's interest in the Arne B. Larson Band Internship program, a discussion of a proposed focus project, skills that would contribute to the completion of the project, and career goals; and, academic transcripts (for applicants currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an academic program).

The Gardner Band, one of hundreds of band photos in the Holton Archive at the NMM	Photograph of Herbert Clarke

Application deadline: March 15, 2013 For additional information, contact: Margaret Downie Banks, Ph.D. National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 Email:  Margaret.Banks@usd.edu Phone:  605-677-5306
	Instruments from the Civil War era

National Music Museum
The University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069

©National Music Museum, 2012
Most recent update: September 15, 2012

The University of South Dakota
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