Manilow Music Project, the philanthropy organization of crooner Barry Manilow, announced the 10 local finalists for the Manilow Music Teacher Award. The winner, as determined by public voting, will be honored onstage at Manilow’s farewell concert on April 20 at MVP Arena.
The teachers nominated are:
- Samantha Baldwin of Shaker High School
- Michael Blostein of Averill Park High School
- Michael Salamone of Mohonasen High School
- David Bresnahan of Columbia High School
- Jeff Calistri of Tamarac Middle and High Schools
- Gregory Clarkson of Guilderland High School
- James Haertel of Colonie Central High School
- John Halvorsen of Albany High School
- Lori McAllister of Troy High School
- Phil Pandori of Niskayuna High School
The public can vote for the winner through Thursday, March 19 via on.barrymanilow.com/trk/lABjc; voting began Thursday. The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and $5,000 “Manilow Bucks” earmarked for purchasing classroom instruments.
Manilow Music Project has supported underfunded music programs through instrument and equipment donations and scholarships since 2008. Manilow created the organization based on his personal musical experiences as a high schooler in an underfunded district…