It was a time of reflection, but it also was a time to celebrate heroes around the world who have come together during the recent tragedies.

Yesterday’s world music concert, “A World of Heroes: A Global Arts Perspective on 9/11,” brought together musicians, artists, faculty, students and families to learn about different cultures and their music.

“My kids haven’t seen the Eastern-Asian stuff,” said Trudi Werner of Wauconda, referring to the unique instruments played during the program. “I’ve never even seen those.”

Her 14-year-old son Bryan enjoyed the variety of music.

“I really liked the Irish songs, especially the drumming,” he said.

Brent Roman, a percussion, performance and composition major who played several instruments from different countries, was happy that families could attend the show.

“I think that through world music, it gives them an appreciation of culture and through that, understanding,” he said.

Along with the music, the faculty of the school of art displayed many of their pieces. Charolotte Rollman, professor of art, showed two of her watercolors, titled “September 10, 2001” and “September 12, 2001.”

“[The tragedies] affected me right away,” she said. Her sorrow is reflected in her paintings by her choice of coloring. “September 10, 2001” contains light pastels, whereas “September 12, 2001” reflects dark colors, such as red and black.

Though the concert was organized to mourn those we have lost, it also honored the many people in every country who have sacrificed themselves to help others. The beautiful, somber melodies that began the show were replaced with lively cha-cha, salsa and mambo tunes.

Toward the end of the concert, as the audience filled the stage to dance, it was apparent that people are ready to unite and face the future together, no matter what it will bring.