Last-ditch fundraiser meets South Whidbey High School band’s goal

A last-minute pass-the-hat fundraiser brought in $900 for the South Whidbey High School jazz band.

February 23, 2014 9:00 am
South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble students play during a recent performance. From the back row: Alec Chinnery
South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble students play during a recent performance. From the back row: Alec Chinnery

A last-minute pass-the-hat fundraiser brought in $900 for the South Whidbey High School jazz band.

Held at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts last week, it was the band’s final fundraiser of the school year. The money was needed to repair the band’s bass.

South Whidbey’s jazz band holds fundraisers to cover instrument repair, buy music and provide scholarships to students for instruments and events like the trip to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho.

“Everyone here tonight makes it possible for us to sustain an outstanding jazz program, and we thank each of you and the entire community for your support throughout the year,” said band director Chris Harshman in a news release.

A new funding program for South Whidbey High School band, called Be Instrumental in Excellence, begins this month. Supporters get benefits depending on their contribution level.

For more information or to contribute to the program, call 360-321-2874.

The next jazz band performance is March 13 at South Whidbey High School.