Reader comments
And the band played on

Clark Larsen | 1:52 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

What an amazingly touching tribute to a wonderful woman. Her band is full of loving and courageous young people. God bless all of them.

From an alumnist of West High School in Salt Lake City, I know many of us would like to send our thoughts, prayers and best wishes to the Christensen family and the members of the American Fork High School marching band.

South Bend Cougar | 5:33 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

A true hero indeed. Condolences to all.

Anonymous | 5:57 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

As a member of another High School Band in the area I would like to say how much we love and support American Forks band as they are going through this tough trial.

Comments continue below

were there 2 directors? | 5:59 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

"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."

I along with many others, sorrow at the death of Heather Christensen.

I was just wondering if this mother in the article is remembering the same woman. I understand Heather was 33 years old. Is it likely she was a band director at least 15 years ago(since the daughter is now 15) and likely more, to have directed this mother?

to: were there 2 directors | 7:44 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

She probably directed the 15-year-old, maybe at a different school. The wording is a bit misleading.

Great Performance | 8:06 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

From a Hillcrest alum, great job American Fork!!! These types of stories are what make good journalism as people pull together, honor one another, and share talent.

to: were there 2 directors | 8:36 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

No it is the same Miss C. She directed her daughter two years ago when Miss C was still at American Leadership Academy. Two of my own children were lucky enough to have her in beginning band there. I also remember her dancing around while directing the traffic after school there! I am so glad that she really seemed to enjoy life, since hers was tragically cut so short.

L. G. Kirkpatrick | 8:45 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

March your angelic band toward the light, Heather, as an approving Heavenly Father greets you with,
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant"!

Gville | 8:58 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

I must say that after sittin gin the stands last night that A.F. has to be the most courageous band ever! That was the most amazing show I have ever seen and the emotion that these young performers displayed not only for there director but for the music was amazing. Bravo to AF for being such wonderful people! Thanks for allowing us all the opportunity to watch you perform!

As they say... | 10:33 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

And the beat goes on. The Marching Band played their hearts out in memory of Ms. Christensen. Congrats on their bittersweet win. May they reflect on this as a life changing event - and make themselves all the better for it.

What in tucket? | 10:33 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

My grandson played under her direction and said she was an awesome woodwind director. And I love the thought that, "the band played on."

no words | 11:39 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

bravo, af, bravo

Grateful Parent | 11:46 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

The band and the staff have been amazing, but the support from the bands they compete with has been overwhelming. The Davis High School Band Director arranged for a replacement bus to transport the injured kids home after the accident. That bus was on the scene less than an hour after the accident. Davis and AF bands are arch rivals and both display incredible dedication and elevated excellence. But in time of need, brotherhood replaced rivalry. Students have been getting e-mails and well wishes from all over the country from students in bands they have competed against. As a parent of AF band students, I am grateful for the prayers and the wonderful support. I hope that support and prayers continue for the bus driver and for Heather's family. Thank you all!

Anonymous | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

When I read stories about kids skipping school and falling from the roof, getting into troubles, or being careless about their future and society, and then I not only read but see these young women and men standing up, putting themselves together and honoring their teacher's life, I am so grateful that there was a Miss C who influenced their lives in ways she would never imagine in such a good and positive way. I am sure she is proud of them and watching over them from heaven. Keep up the good work kids! we need more of your kind!

Kris | 12:22 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

I wish I could've known this wonderful woman. I live in Oregon and am deeply touched by this tragedy and the courage of the band members. My sister's family attends the AF HS so I feel your loss. May you all be comforted by the Spirit and be inpsired to live better lives because of her.

From Pocatello | 2:08 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

My twin sons are freshmen in the marching band at Century High in Pocatello. They were deeply moved by AF's perfomance in Pocatello and were extremely impressed. They commented in detail (prior to the accident). It hit us as the word spread via facebook in the youth community before the media published much for details. Thanks AF for their dedication to great activities and thanks to Ms. Christiansen for such support of the youth. Our band members and many others in the school were honored to wear AF's colors yesterday to school as a tribute. Our prayers have been for all affected.

hopeandme | 2:13 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

She was a special angel sent here to do God's work. What a blessing it must be to have known her in person. She has stepped into the hearts of many as a shining example of good.

Alaskan Former AF Band Member | 2:14 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

As a former band member from the class of 1981, I have been touched by the sincere comments of the bloggers. While I feel sorry for everyone involved, I am also grateful for the spirit of the kids and everyone involved. Miss C sounds like a wonderful lady.

Band mom from Sky View | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Heathers' family and friends as well as the band members and school facility at this time. I can only imagine what the AF parents may have felt when they heard the news Sat evening that there was a bus crash. And then later to find out that although some were badly hurt and all were very shaken but their children were safe all because an earth angel gave her life in order to keep the their kids safe. They must have been very sad indeed but so very greatful. Heather is a hero in my eyes. I was out of town at the time and so when I heard from my daughter that Sky View band members and friends wore Red and Black to school on Monday and ribbons to the competition on Tuesday to honor Heather and AF I was proud to be a band mom. The band community is close and the kids are wonderful to be around. God bless AF! May you continue to pay tribute to your teacher and mentor by being the best you can be on the field and off.

Getting facts straight | 4:37 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

There are a few factual problems with this story in regards to American Fork Junior High. Heather taught two periods. One was beginning woodwinds and the other was symphonic woodwinds, not the "general music" class that the article states. Over 100 students at the junior high had Heather as their teacher. The 9th grade is also in the junior high school and a part of the high school marching band. There were many junior high students on the trip to Pocatello and many of them were on the bus that crashed. Our prayers should also be with these junior high students. They are suffering as well. Many people are surprised to learn that the junior high was so severely impacted because news outlets have been ignorant of that fact.

Anonymous | 9:56 a.m. Oct. 15, 2009

I am Heathers Father

I am so proud of her and thank you all for being so good and caring. I just wanted to thank everybody for what you are doing.

Kay Christensen

A former AF Marching Band member | 8:14 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009

I am saddened by the loss. and also very proud of the strong heatrs of all the band members and their parents. I was part of the Don Peterson era. And its awesome that the "American Fork CaveMen"and "American Fork CaveWomen" still have the pride and caring hearts. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.

Tara | 12:17 a.m. Oct. 17, 2009

I am marshall's sister. I remember going to some her his concerts when she taught at ALA. She was so funny and cool and a really great teacher. She died a hero. A true hero. And she will always be remembered by her students and her influence will continue though she may not be with us physically anymore.

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