The General Office at the Campus B building of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School was alive with the festivity of the celebration of the 65th birthday of Mr. Michael Dumpa Martin, an acclaimed international pannist and Steel Pan tutor.
Mr. Martin started his tenure in the education system in Anguilla – both primary and secondary – in the 1980s, long before Steel Pan was part of the formal curriculum. Now it is a core component of the CSEC Music Programme at the secondary school, with an equally vibrant complementary local programme.
In addition to teaching the scheduled sessions as per the timetable, Mr. Martin has developed generations of Steel Pan players who used the lunch hour, and after school hours, to hone their skills in anticipation of enlivening school and community events. The ALHCS Steel Orchestra, along with the Concert Band and School Choir, stand as paragons emanating from the Music Department of the School.
On 16 March, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, Mr. Martin was able to reflect with his colleagues on what it meant to give back, what the elders in his native Antigua had bequeathed to him, to his adopted community of Anguilla. Mr. Martin cherishes his life and legacy in Anguilla and is proud of the way in which he has been able to transform the musical landscape of Anguilla. His colleagues raised several toasts to honour him and his accomplishments. All enjoyed the session.
– Contributed
