Ray Major, a harmonica player and multi-instrumentalist, never imagined that his love for traditional music would lead to preserving German American cultural heritage and combating the challenges of aging. However, through his curiosity and musical talents, Major found himself doing just that.
Selected by Jon Kay, an Indiana University professor and director of Traditional Arts Indiana (TAI), Major was chosen to record the latest installment of TAI’s Elder Music Series. This series, produced by Kay and his students, showcases older musicians and aims to capture not only their creative expression but also its impact on the community.
Living in rural Dubois County, Major immersed himself in traditional German American tunes after learning from older musicians in Ferdinand. Despite not initially intending to preserve the music, Major found himself drawn to it and dedicated to playing it.
The recording process was challenging for Major, as he wasn’t accustomed to focusing on the quality of his playing. However, he emphasized that for him, playing music is all about having fun and enjoying the experience.
Through events like CD release parties and creative aging summits, Kay hopes to highlight the importance of creative expression in promoting resilience and well-being in older adults. Major’s release party will be part of Strassenfest in Jasper, Indiana, this summer, showcasing his dedication to preserving and celebrating traditional music.
Overall, Major’s journey from playing music for enjoyment to becoming a guardian of cultural heritage serves as a testament to the power of creative expression in aging well and connecting with others.