- Barry Manilow honored Riverton High School's Jason Weimer with a $10,000 award.
- Weimer, director of instrumental music at the school, received over 8,000 student votes.
- Half of the award will fund new instruments; Manilow's project aids schools nationwide.
SALT LAKE CITY — Music legend Barry Manilow honored a teacher at Riverton High School Monday night, presenting him with a $10,000 check.
Ahead of the star's Maverick Center concert, Manilow greeted Jason Weimer and his family.
Jason Weimer has taught at Riverton High School for over a decade and currently serves as the director of instrumental music.
Weimer is the recipient of the Manilow Music Teacher Award, which highlights exemplary service, leadership and creative teaching skills.
"I am so humbled," Weimer said. "Honestly, it was really intimidating to meet somebody like Barry Manilow. I am just so grateful."
This contest coincided with Manilow's final tour. High school students submitted names of their favorite music teachers and then voted to select the winner. Weimer received more than 8,000 votes.
"I had kids telling me, 'I voted for you every day. And I used my parents' email and voted for you there too.' They told me they wanted to see me recognized. I am so filled with gratitude for my students, family, friends and community," Weimer said.
Weimer teaches symphonic band and multiple class levels of orchestra as well as AP music theory.
Before Riverton High School, he taught at West Jordan, Copper Hills and Jordan High Schools. Weimer started playing the clarinet when he was 11 years old. In his exchange with Barry Manilow, the two chatted about how they both played the clarinet.
"My testimonial is that I have seen how much positivity comes through music education for the students. Anybody who walks through the doors can get something out of music," Weimer said. "It's universal. Come one, come all. That's the best part about music."
Weimer received a $10,000 grant from the Manilow Fund. Half of that money will go towards new band instruments at Riverton High. The other half, Weimer will get to keep.
Manilow, an award-winning songwriter, created the foundation to help schools deal with budget cuts. The Manilow Music Project has distributed over $10 million in instruments and funding.
Manilow's roots started in Brooklyn, New York, where music was an integral part of his life. He went on to become a worldwide success, selling more than 80 million records. His career has spanned more than 60 years.
Manilow recognized Weimer in front of a large concert crowd Monday night.
"I will never forget this moment," Weimer said. "The performing arts are especially great at teaching kids how to work as part of a team and work toward a mutual goal that benefits everybody. We teach a lot of skills that these high schoolers will use, regardless of what profession they go into. And yes, I will be playing more Barry Manilow hits in my classroom from here on out."
