I am unsure of when my family immigrated to America and my family does not have many cultural traditions, which is why my story does not talk about my heritage. My family’s identity comes from a multitude of things, but music is the one that stands out the most. We are always listening to music and sometimes we even play musical instruments. My siblings and I are a part of our schools’ band programs and my uncle and dad play string instruments. My dad will only play his banjo when he thinks it does not bother anyone which means he plays it rarely during family events. When he does play it though, he fills the room with a voice that is there to tell a story, but also blends into the low hum of the people talking in the room. His playing feels natural like it should always be there. When he does play he lifts the mood of the room and you can always hear the percussive sound of his palm hitting the head of his banjo as he strums and picks the strings. While he is playing, everyone will always join in singing regardless of how sour the notes they make are. I cannot picture our family without music due to how much influence it has in our lives. If we never had his musical influence, I think my family would lose a part of themselves.

– TB

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more