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South Jordan Journal

Bingham High to present Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction

May 08, 2018 01:21PM ● By Julie Slama

On May 12, Bingham High School will host its 12th annual Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction.

By Julie Slama | [email protected]

It will be a big swing and jazz night under twinkling lights at Bingham High

The school’s 12th annual Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction will begin with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by two hours of dancing at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 12.

Tickets, which need to be purchased for the dinner by May 4, are $35 for dinner and dance for a couple, or for one, $18. To just come for the dance and auction, tickets are $10 for individuals or $20 for couples and are available in the school office or online at showtix4u.com. Dance tickets also are available at the door. The event will be held in the school cafeteria, 2160 West 10400 South, South Jordan.

The music features Bingham High’s Miner Blues jazz ensemble as well as The Phoenix Jazz and Swing Band, which is donating its time and talent to the fundraiser.

“It’s really popular dancing music,” dinner dance chair Shaeley Kuehn said. “The setting is very romantic with the lights in a traditional school. We have a lamp post, a chandelier and will transform the setting into something special.”

Several local businesses also are donating items to be placed in the silent auction such as airline tickets, theater tickets, gift cards, signed jewelry, crocheted blankets and more. Even organizers will also raffle off  smaller items.

The fundraiser’s proceeds are earmarked for the music department, which in the past has helped to replace or repair instruments and other necessities.

“This event has grown year after year, which is great as it supports our music students and the opportunities they have,” she said, adding that they hope to raise $5,000 through the event.

Last year, about 120 people attended the catered dinner. This year’s goal is for 220 as well as others who come just to dance.

Bingham High’s band program, under the direction of Darin Graber, recently won back-to-back state titles in 2016 and 2017. The South Jordan City Council honored the program by declaring April 17 as Bingham High School Marching Band Day. In addition, the symphonic band recently competed at region, receiving excellent marks, and the wind symphony earned superior ratings.

Although there is an 11-member parent committee for the dinner-dance, Kuehn said music students play a significant part in the event. In addition to jazz band members performing, students worked together to seek donations, help at the auction table, sell tickets, serve and bus the dinner, clean up and other tasks. Each student will give at least two hours, with many more giving additional hours.

“It’s for the students so they also are working to make this event successful,” she said. “It should be a lot of fun.”