Ms Chong has studied, encouraged and recorded the traditional music of the Dusun Tindal people of Kampong Tenghilan just south of Kota Belud. As with many traditional activities, many of the skills are being lost as the older generations pass on and the younger people pursue modern activities. In Tenghilan, the tradition of making and playing bamboo instruments has been maintained, and new versions of the old instruments are being created (sompoton, sundatang, gong, kulintangan etc) as well as bamboo versions of guitars and maracas.
The traditional style of music still exists, with its emphasis on improvisation, creativity and virtuosity; its higher levels of difficulty in melodies, harmonies, meter, speed and rhythmic patterns; its connection with individual and tribal souls, feelings, emotions and beauty; its higher ability in shaping musical expression; better breath control and stamina; higher ability in understanding and harmonising with other musicians and also natural and free interactions between dancers, singers and musicians which form different, unpredictable and unique textures and structure of the music.
The younger generations are, predictably, keen to join the musical mainstream. Today, the bamboo maracas and guitars are to be seen on stage with the more traditional instruments. Public performances by the Bamboo Orchestra of Kg Tenghilan, both in Sabah and in The Peninsula, are encouraging a new generation of young musicians. These experiences will hopefully lead them to a growing understanding of the traditional music and keep it alive in some form.
Someone say Dusun Tindal is the offspring of Dusun + Bajau people. I have serious doubt about this claim. Could Ms Chong help to confirm this? Thank you.