The 10th annual Star Spangled Spectacular choral event, held June 26 at Auburn United Methodist Church, became both a celebration of American music and a learning experience for an international audience.
In part through the efforts of Auburn math and statistics professor Chris Rodger, who participated in the event as a member of the choir, people from many different nationalities were represented in a diverse audience, as they tried to get a feel for the American celebration of the Fourth of July.
"I sent an email out to several of the graduate and international students to let them know this was happening," Rodger said. "I told them there was some Christian music in there, but it was really a celebration of American culture and history in the form of music, so they might like to come."
Argentina, Panama and China were only a few of the countries represented in the audience.
Angela Calderson, who is from Panama, said she thought the show did a good job showing American beliefs.
Music director Gary Klarenbeek said he was happy to find such a diverse audience, considering he has only lived here for ten years.
"Everyone's coming from somewhere else when they come to Auburn, but Auburn is one of those great places you can find extended family," Klarenbeek said.
"That's kind of the story of America: all different cultures coming together for a common good, and that's what makes Auburn great."
Klarenbeek's arrival ten years ago at Auburn United Methodist was actually what sparked the creation of the Star Spangled Spectacular.
This year every seat was filled while others stood watching from the back.
Sue Rodgers, assistant music director at the church, said she feels there were many reasons why the holiday event has become so popular in the community.
"It's out of respect for the military and the patriotic nature of the concert," Rodgers said. "Everybody just loves the music and grew up with a lot of the music.
"It's a diverse concert in that there's an eclectic mix. There's the patriotic music and also some Broadway."
Although all the money is gained through donations, the choir still works hard on the concert, because the message presented means a lot to them.
Some people from the community involved drove from as far away as Dadeville to be at rehearsals for the holiday celebration.
Many other performers faced different hardships as well.
"One of the gentlemen singing with us is going through very severe cancer treatment and still made every rehearsal," Klarenbeek said.
"It's just that kind of commitment, that's the American spirit alive in this choir."
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