Echoes of Joy in a Primary School


At a small primary school in Tawau, a remarkable traditional music group was born, known as GAMBAH (Gema Gamelan Bahagia). Founded by a dedicated teacher, GAMBAH was created with the vision of letting young children experience the beauty of Malay gamelan, even at an early age.


What makes GAMBAH unique is its members—students from Year 4 and Year 5, only 10 to 11 years old. Despite their young age, they are courageous enough to take on instruments traditionally played by adults.


To make learning easier, the group adopts innovative methods such as color-coded notation, symbol systems, and gamelan learning apps. This not only helps students understand the music faster but also keeps their learning joyful and engaging.


More than just music, GAMBAH carries the values of happiness, teamwork, and cultural heritage. Every strike of the gong, kenong, and saron is more than a sound—it is the echo of young hearts keeping alive the traditions of their ancestors in a modern world.


GAMBAH is not just a music group—it is a story of hope, pride, and proof that heritage can live on in the spirit of a new generation.


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