“Green hills for thy throne …”

Before Saturday’s football game, Joe Christensen received the farewell every true Cyclone deserves — “The Bells of Iowa State,” played by the ISU marching band.

“Mr. C,” as his students called him, died Thursday of complications from a liver transplant in Rochester, Minn. He had been ISU’s director of bands since 1979, overseeing the work of seven different instrumental groups.

The wind ensemble, which he personally directed, was known around the world for superb musical technique and style. In 1987 and 1990, the ensemble performed in Mexico on a tour sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

Christensen was also a member of the American Bandmasters Association. Only 254 other musicians nationwide are in this exclusive club, the highest possible honor for a concert band director.

“… ringing in the hearts of all who bring thee love and loyalty …”

But behind the list of accomplishments was simply an outstanding person.

One band member remembered the almost-reverent silence that would fall over the Music Hall lobby when the rhythmic clicking of Christensen’s shoes approached.

Other recollections added to the picture of a top-notch musician who commanded the utmost respect.

“He treated students and faculty professionally.”

“He told it like it was. He said, ‘This isn’t right, fix it,’ and then he moved on.”

This straight-forward manner seemed gruff to those who didn’t know “Mr. C.”

But, as one of his students said, “If you sat down and talked to him, he’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”

And when he climbed the ladder at every home football game to lead the marching band in the National Anthem, fans and band members alike knew they were in for a treat.

Joe Christensen dedicated himself to enriching the Cyclone band program. In the process, he won the love and admiration of everyone he met.

So on Saturday, it was our turn. The “golden melody” floated upward from mouths and instruments, hovering over Jack Trice Stadium in a perfect requiem: “… true and valiant, like the bells of Iowa State.”

You could almost hear the angels chanting: “C … C … C … C …”