Why the Ancient Musical Essence is Still Retained in Dusun Tindal’s Instrumental Music within its Modern Community?*

Objective – 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 driving 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. Methodology/Technique – The contemporary musical ensemble is a newly developed tradition combining a mixture of traditional and western musical instruments and styles. Due to the new mindsets 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 endeavoring in captive of the hearts of the global audience. Findings – The contemporary musical ensemble is a newly developed tradition combining a mixture of traditional and western musical instruments and styles. Due to the new mindsets 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 endeavoring in captive of the hearts of the global audience. Novelty – This study attempts to disclose the grounds and rationales behind the persistence of the Dusun Tindals in upholding their ancient musical essence until toda