St. Thomas High School’s Domenic Romanelli Wins the Manilow Music Teacher Award
by Chloë Ranaldi
St. Thomas High School is thrilled to announce that Domenic Romanelli, a music and visual art teacher has won the prestigious Manilow Music Teacher Award for the Montreal area.
The prestigious Manilow Music Teacher Award will be presented by the legendary performer Barry Manilow at the Bell Centre on May 30th.
The award recognizes outstanding music educators across North America who inspire a love of music in their students. Mr. Romanelli was selected from among seven nominees in the region.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Mr. Romanelli said “I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me—students, parents, colleagues, and the entire St. Thomas community.”
“I am also aware that every teacher does so much, and the other nominees all have my full respect as well,” he said, grateful to be recognized.
The award comes with a $10,000 prize, which includes $5,000 to be used to purchase musical instruments for the classroom.
“We’re launching four new ‘Intro to Guitar’ classes this fall,” he shared. “Right now, we only have a few nylon-string guitars. This award will allow us to purchase more instruments, cases for students to take them home, and support a program that reaches even more kids. Music should be fun, accessible, and something every student can connect with,” said Mr. Romanelli.
Reflecting on his own musical journey, Mr. Romanelli spoke fondly of his first guitar teacher, Mr. Panchuk, who introduced him to music at age 13.
“He handed me a guitar and taught me Stairway to Heaven—and that changed everything for me. I went on to tour as a professional musician for 20 years before becoming a teacher. Now I have the chance to be that person for someone else.”
After a decade in the classroom, Mr. Romanelli’s mission remains the same: to spark passion, creativity, and joy in his students through music.
“Music is magic,” he said. “And if this award helps bring that magic to more students, then it means everything. I’m proud to share this with the entire St. Thomas community—we did this together.”
Mr. Romanelli will receive the award in person at the Bell Centre on May 30th, where he will meet Barry Manilow and his team backstage before the show.
