At Barry Manilow's concert on Monday, July 14, 2025, Riverton High School's Director of Instrumental Music, Jason Weimer, was recognized in front of the crowd and presented the Manilow Music Teacher Award, by none other than Manilow himself. Weimer (Instrumental Music Education, BM '13) is a School of Music alum and has previously taught at West Jordan, Copper Hills, and Jordan High Schools. He teaches courses in symphonic band, orchestra, and AP music theory. Said Weimer, "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...it’s universal. Come one, come all. That’s the best part about music.”
“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.”
Fun Facts:
- Weimer and Manilow both played the clarinet.
- The award was decided from a contest that encouraged high school students to submit names of their favorite music teachers, which were then voted to select the winner. Weimer received over 8,000 votes.
- Weimer has been given a $10,000 grant from the Manilow Fund; half will go towards new band instruments at Riverton High, while the other half will go to Weimer.
Original article here.