RADCLIFF, Ky. — Through tears and laughter, three students scrolled through a list of quotes from their band teacher, Kelsey Dunn.
"That hit that she was talking about in movement three, they were like, 'oh my gosh, those other bands will be shaking in their boots by that sound," incoming senior Jazzlyn Martin said.
Kentucky State Police said Dunn, the 28-year-old band director at North Hardin High School, died after losing control of her car and crashing into a semi-truck during flash flooding on the Western Kentucky Parkway on Tuesday.
Only tragedy could separate the band from its leader.
"After practice, people would just stay," Martin said, "So [Ms. Dunn] was like, 'love you guys, but you gotta get out,' because she wanted to go home. But nobody wanted to leave, because it's just so inviting."
Now in Dunn's absence, her students reflect on the life lessons she demonstrated.
"You can't forget the 'one more time, one more rep,'" Carissa Ross recalled. "It was always the last rep, and you'd have 10 more reps after that."
"In the moment, we were all like, 'ugh,'" Martin chimed in. "But now it's like you wish you could just hear it one more time."
Dunn's leadership brought the band together beyond the hits and harmonies they played. She paired up older and younger students from different sections so they could support each other.
"I was like, the only rookie, so being able to talk to older people and going into high school, freshman year, having friends, I felt safe," Brooke Russo said.
And although they miss Dunn, these young women know it's their responsibility to put their heart into the music like their teacher did.
In a Facebook video shared to the band's page, Dunn is seen introducing a piece of music during an interlude at a concert.
"'The Days of Supreme Sadness' is intended to be a memorial for those lost souls, gone from this life, but who will forever be treasured in our memories," she said, the music swelling with melancholy after.
Martin said that's what the season is going to be about.
"It's gonna be for her," Ross agreed. "And not even just this season. The rest of—"
"—Ever," Martin finished.
"She always did it for us," Russo added.
Now as they reach for higher heights, the students' carry Dunn's lasting tune with them, with the goal of placing in state championships.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.