Comments about ‘American Fork band raises funds, will go to Grand Nationals’

Best of luck from Pocatello.

Go CAVEPEOPLE!

However, are there any other high school band programs in UTAH?

Maybe, the DN could do a little research, in order to high-light other high school band programs.

Thanks.

Congratulations! I didn't think it would be possible! Go and enjoy yourselves and make some memories!

GO CAVEMAN make us all proud!! we are all rooting for you!!

Go get em Cavemen! We know you will make us proud. We will be watching and waiting to hear about you!

You guys have swept every competition this year! You guys are awesome! You have Heather with you so she will guide and protect all of you. I know you will win this comp. YOU ALWAYS DO!! This years show is awesome! I cry everytime. Good luck and be safe!

I have a friend who lives in AF who's friend's daughter was on the bus that overturned. Ever since that tragic event I've been reading about the incredible story that is the AF Marching Band. My friend told me about the impossible invitation to play in the Nationals, and that it did not seem logistically or financially possible to pull it off. I am completely amazed that a community is pulling so much for their marching band! But, I suppose that's how such a band is able to exist and perform on the level they do in the first place. Congratulations to all for this exceptional feat! You have already won the most important competition of support and cohesiveness that I can imagine!

Thanks to the many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters, friends, other Utah bands, local business and other donors for your belief and support of our kids. I am confident that our band will make you proud as they represent you, Heather, our heroic WWII vets, AFHS and the Utah HS marching band commuinty this weekend. Regardless of the final placement in Finals, you will be as proud of our kids as we band parents are. Thank also to our wonderful directors, school administrators and Alpine School Board. This show is for you too.

Finally, I agree with KUDOS comment above, Utah has many great HS marching band programs that deserve the media's attention. They too make Utah stand out as the best of the best in the U.S. marching band community.

Good question- I am familiar with another Utah county HS band, that had a difficult time getting money to take the band to France to help honor the 60th anniversary of D-Day. This was not a 'show' trip, but a very comprehensive schedule of tribute performances around England and France, with the band members spending months of practice and learning about WWII. When we went to many local establishments to ask for help with costs, we heard many of the same comments, such as: we only give to the AF band; when you are as big as the AF band we might help; why can't the kids just play to some local veterans groups- very disheartening. Yes, the AF band is very good and yes, they have suffered recently. But just because you're bigger does not make you better!

I am so thrilled to hear that the money was raised and the kids get to have a glorious time competing and honoring Veterans and their dearly departed teacher. Please keep the envy or negative comments out of the line for just a while. It is NOT the kids' fault that adults will not support other band groups in the same way. It is unfortunate.... and terribly unfair... but life is NOT fair. And I am certain every AF band member will tell you they would give this trip back if it could return their teacher.

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has given support to my son and his band this year. They have really felt the outpouring of love.

I wish everyone could see this show. Last weekend several of the competition judges came off the field in tears, it was so moving to them. It really is a fine tribute to our war veterans. It is meaningful to me that my son will wear his grandfather's dog tags on the field tomorrow.

Will it be on TV where we can see it?
Cordell Vail
Seattle, WA

They're in the semi-finals! They perform again today at 9:45 a.m. MST. Go, AF!!

Congrats AF Band! Good luck!

They didn't make finals :(

They did get the Esprit de Corps Award, though :) and placed 14th :D