The 24-strong South Whidbey High School chorus was hoping to make a little money over the holidays to support an upcoming spring trip to San Francisco, Calif.

So they recorded their version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” and sent it to radio station KAFE in Bellingham, which was holding a state-wide contest for best choirs.

“We ended up in the top three,” said choir director Paula Ludtke. “Then people called in their vote for which choir they liked best — there was a ton of support from South Whidbey — and we ended up in second place.”

Though they missed out on the $1,000 top prize, their recording played several times on the air and they did win a pizza party.

Meanwhile, the South Whidbey School Board approved the choir’s planned trip to the Bay area next April. The girls will perform on the pier at Fisherman’s Wharf and attend a musical clinic at San Francisco State University.

Provided they can find the funding, however. The trip will cost about $600 per student and, though the board approved the trip, the girls must pay for it themselves. For information on making a donation, call Ludtke at 221-6808, ext. 5203.