Why the ancient musical essence is still retained in Dusun Tindal's instrumental music within its modern community?

This paper examines Dusun Tindal’s instrumental music practice within the context of

modernity of the society in Tenghilan, a town that is located on northwest Sabah. The study looks into

the deriving modish musical styles and forms in the root of the ancient traditions especially in the

aspects of musical natures, music compositions, musical functions and philosophies. Dusun

Tindal belongs to the largest ethnic group of Kadazandusun in Sabah and is widely exposed to rapid

technological modernization and subsequent interactions within a multi-cultural society and new

contexts of performance in the cosmopolitan cities.

Since 1990s, the Dusun Tindals in Tenghilan have begun to lose most of their old musical

culture. Contemporary musical groups are developed such as the Bamboo Orchestra, which becomes

trendy and popular among their youngsters. The contemporary musical ensemble is a newly

developed tradition combining a mixture of traditional and western musical instruments and styles.

Due to the new mind-sets and tastes of their young people, as well as to open up opportunities to

venture into the exotic blooms of globalized musical festivals and tourism, their music is manifold

and endeavouring in captive of the hearts of the global audience.

However, the people still keep hold of some of their old traditions realizing the integral role

they play in their life and society. The people are also aware of the power of these primeval cultural

constituents that have attracted a colossal number of audiences and guaranteed the consumable sales

of their performance tickets and CDs. This study attempts to disclose the grounds and rationales

behind the persistence of the Dusun Tindals in upholding their ancient musical essence until today.