Timothy Fioravanti is our band and chorus director here at WHS.
Fioravanti graduated from the University of Delaware with his Bachelor in Music. He then went on to complete his Masters of Music from University of Connecticut. He holds certifications in Music and School Administration.
Fioravanti has been a music educator for 32 years. He taught at Danbury High School before transferring to Waterford High School. This will be his 31st year teaching here at Waterford.
Fioravanti expects the students to “abide by the Transferable Skills outlined in the Vision of the Graduate.” He believes that having these skills within a classroom will help his students succeed in life.
Transferable skills he uses the most are: Listen actively to understand the information, demonstrate respect for others and diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives and persevere through frustration.
Fioravanti wants his students to expect him to be “passionate and knowledgeable about his subject.” Fioravanti has always had a passion for music and it had an impact on him during his schooling, and he’s hoping it’ll make an impact on his students.
While he was in high school, he was second in his class and received a scholarship for science, but he knew music would make him the happiest compared to any other career.
Besides being a teacher at Waterford High School, Fioravanti is also a part of his own band, the Tim Fioravanti Jazz Orchestra. He occasionally plays with the New London Big Band when their drummer cannot make an event. If an event wants a smaller jazz group, he will perform with the Tim Fioravanti Jazz Trio.
Camryn Thibodeau 24’ says her favorite thing about Fioravanti is he can take jokes but also give it right back. “I accidentally called him old the other day and didn’t take it personally, he just laughed.”
Eva Papathanasiou ‘26 says her favorite thing about Fioravanti is when he says “to make a long story even longer.”
Lilah Colonis 26’ she likes how enthusiastic he is about what he does and how he goes above and beyond what he is required to do: “He also makes sure his students are okay in and out of class.”
Fioravanti loves telling stories at any point of class. He will have a story about everything , and all of them mean something, even if they are funny. He also loves giving advice
Some advice Fioravanti has for students who are not involved in music is “budget their time wisely.” He feels that students fill their time with being on phones, social media, and chit-chatting with friends. He also feels that to get good grades, you don’t need to be a genius, “you have to use your time wisely.”
For students who are involved in music, Fioravanti believes “To get better at music, you need to do it alot, and with focus.” Just because someone is a year old doesn’t mean they are better, unless they are working towards becoming better. He also believes that taking an ensemble class will help you improve.
If anyone wants to pursue music in college, Fioravanti says to take private lessons with a professional. “Hearing what you are supposed to sound like helps drive your sound.” A professional will do that for you, not only push you, but also will make you want to sound like them.
If music is an interest, take a class with Fioravanti, talk to guidance counselors. He doesn’t just teach band and chorus, he also teaches a music theory class. If a student is not sure if they would like to, talk to Fioravanti. He is in the field house, right next to the bathrooms.
