Ripon High gives a warm welcome to Philip Fiorio! As we commenced a new school we welcomed many new staff members and Fiorio was one of them. He is a very busy and involved teacher here at RHS, here’s some hindsight about him.
Fiorio grew up in Pleasanton, Calif. and attended school there as well. He then continued his education at Calif. State University, Northridge. To then obtain his masters in Jazz Trumpet, he attended Eastman School of Music located in New York. Music was his passion, he always dreamt of becoming a musician. This was until he started teaching on the side, he found another passion.
“I saw the impact teaching made on all the kids and just decided to get my credential,” Fiorio states.
This year at RHS will now be his 12th year teaching. Fiorio first started off at Kindergarten through Eighth grade at Great Valley Academies and then moved to Enochs High School for a couple years. Fiorio’s last high school before RHS was River Islands High School. He is now here and is keeping a very busy schedule.
Fiorio moved to Ripon nine years ago with his wife and now has 2 children. The city of Ripon has been his community and home for many years. Now that he is working here, he has gotten a chance to connect with the community.
“I love it,[RHS community] the students and staff are really friendly and it feels so nice to teach in this community that I call my home,” Fiorio comments. “Being here I feel part of the family.”
He starts off his schooldays by going to Park View Elementary for a zero period to teach middle school advanced band. At RHS he teaches many subjects relating to music and musical arts. Music appreciation, theater arts, concert choir, advanced concert choir, band and after school jazz band, is everything Fiorio teaches and keeps busy with at RHS.
During Homecoming week he was preparing his students for marching in the parade. He and the marching band worked hard to make the parade come together. In fact, he really enjoyed the parade as it was his first time participating in one.
“The parade was probably the highlight of my year, walking down Main Street with all the kids in their uniforms sounding good,” Fiorio eagerly states. “I felt so much pride and excitement, it was so much fun.”
Outside of school Fiorio enjoys being outdoors, near the river taking pictures. He does wildlife photography, taking pictures of birds,insects, animals and more. Apart from photography he also woodworks as a hobby. He is always keeping busy in and out of school, we appreciate all he’s doing for RHS’s musical department and he appreciates everyone’s support.
“Thank you everyone for being so welcoming and I enjoy the staff and students here. It feels like home right away, everyone is so friendly and so happy to be here,” Fiorio states.
