And the band played on

PROVO — Despite the drizzling rain, it was tears, not raindrops that slid down the cheeks of trumpeters and flautists as they marched off the field for the first time since losing an instructor in a tragic bus accident.

The American Fork High School marching band swept the awards for 5A schools Tuesday night at the annual band competition in the LaVell Edwards Stadium, but it was a bittersweet moment for many as they celebrated their wins without band instructor Heather Christensen.

"Our hearts are full as we remember our friend and inspired colleague, who touched so many lives with her joy of life," said the announcer as he read a statement from the American Fork band. "Heather, we know you will keep the angels in heaven in time and in tune."

Christensen was killed Saturday night when the band's bus went off the road and tipped over during a return trip from Idaho.

She has been lauded as a hero for her efforts to grab the wheel after the bus driver momentarily blacked out; efforts which many believe prevented further fatalities.

As the band finished its series of songs as a tribute to veterans, giant WWII-era posters were turned around to reveal photos of soldiers, and a picture of Christensen under the phrase:

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

The crowd roared its appreciation during the performance and continued to applaud as the band stoically marched off the soggy field, band members wrapping their arms around each other and wiping their eyes with gloved hands.

In a much smaller gathering, also on Tuesday night, dozens gathered at American Leadership Academy charter school in Spanish Fork to remember Christensen as a band teacher, but more importantly, a friend.

"She came here to befriend you and inspire you to be better," said an emotional Marshall Levi, a senior percussionist turned clarinetist. "Her spirit will always be here, and always be in the hearts of the students she taught."

Levi told the students he wants to focus his Eagle Scout project on some type of memorial to honor the "best and most influential teacher" he said he's ever had.

"To every one of her students she was personal," he said. "She knew what was going on and she would help."

Outside the auditorium, a red star and a single rose graced a table lined with medals, plaques and photos of band members.

"I'm surprised at how much her death has affected me this week," said Sherry McKellar, mother of 15-year-old Rachel, who played the flute several years ago under Christensen's direction.

McKellar said Christensen was the teacher she described when she talked about the new charter school with other parents.

She'd mention how Christensen would dance as she directed traffic in the parking area like only a band teacher could.