Niskayuna High School music teacher Phil Pandori recently won the Manilow Music Teacher Award, an outreach program of musician and performer Barry Manilow.
As a recipient of the Manilow Music Teacher Award, Pandori will receive a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 in Manilow Bucks to purchase instruments for his classroom. To date, the Manilow Music Project has donated more than $10 million to schools.
“I love music, I love band and I love trombone,” Pandori said. “Being able to pass that love on to a new generation is extremely rewarding. I’m also honored to be the recipient of the Manilow Music Teacher Award and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to support our school music program with new instruments and to meet Mr. Manilow himself!”
As the winner, Pandori was slated to attend Manilow’s concert on Monday, April 20, at the MVP Arena. However, the event has been postponed due to Manilow’s health concerns.
When the event is rescheduled, Pandori will attend a backstage award presentation with Manilow and get tickets to the show.
Pandori was one of 10 local finalists, and the winner was chosen by public voting in mid March. He has been teaching in the Niskayuna Central School District for 19 years, and has taught elementary, middle and high school band, as well as jazz band for grades 5 through 12, and elementary general music.
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