Music, Ritual, and Community Practice: An Applied Ethnomusicological Analysis of Kelentangan Belian Namang in Kedang Ipil's Tepung Tawar Tradition

Abstract

This research highlights how applied ethnomusicology contributes to cultural preservation through the documentation of traditional music. By combining traditional ethnographic techniques with modern analytical tools, the approach respects indigenous knowledge systems while producing accessible materials for both academics and local communities. This hybrid method not only preserves cultural heritage but also strengthens its transmission to younger generations.The study also reveals the intricate dynamics between tradition and modernity within indigenous societies, where customary authorities, informal knowledge, and formal education intersect. These tensions reflect broader social changes and the challenges of maintaining cultural identity when traditional learning environments are disrupted. Applied ethnomusicology emerges as a valuable tool for both community development and cultural sustainability. Collaboration between researchers and communities results in resources that serve academic inquiry while reinforcing local cultural identities. This participatory method reflects the principle of reciprocity that underpins applied ethnomusicology. Moreover, the findings show that documentation alone is not enough. Effective cultural preservation requires adaptive strategies that actively involve local communities, promote intergenerational learning, and respond to contemporary realities without compromising cultural integrity. The study underscores both the resilience and the fragility of indigenous knowledge systems and calls for context-sensitive approaches to ensure their continued vitality.