Band supporters were humming a happy tune after a social fundraiser at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club brought in $1,200.

The South Whidbey High School jazz band and combine performed for more than three hours at the social in the club’s ballroom.

“I listened to them a few times and said, ‘We’ve got to get these guys,’” said Paul Schuler, the event’s organizer and one of the club’s social committee members.

A total of 96 dinner tickets were sold to Useless Bay members and guests, and band parents were allowed to attend as well. Schuler said close to 130 people were at the event.

The evening’s highlight was not the money raised, however. It was the dancing.

Under direction from band teacher Chris Harshman, the band played plenty of swing tunes for people to get out of their chairs and move.

“To play for your own community and generate the energy swing music creates is a big joy,” Harshman said.

“Nobody wanted it to end.”

South Whidbey High School’s music program will use the money for competition fees and travel. Performances such as the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho cost lots to get there and perform.

“This is the sort of thing that gives us those opportunities,” Harshman said. “Our job is to create music.”