Bridgeland HS Choir Director Earns UIL Sponsor of Excellence Award
By Carolyn Gilbert, Bridgeland HS
Christopher Fiorini, Bridgeland High School head choir director, was named a recipient of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Sponsor of Excellence award for the 2022-2023 school year.
The UIL Sponsor of Excellence award is far from minor to any Texas high school, marking state-level achievement and recognition for brilliance. The UIL works each year to select individuals from more than 1,300 nominees.
CFISD fine arts representatives, along with Bridgeland administrators and staff members, surprised Fiorini during his Chamber Choir class on Jan. 19.
“I thought it was for somebody else,” Fiorini said. “I was looking over at Aubrey Nelson and Dolores Noel thinking ‘Well what did y’all do? This is really cool!’ Then I saw the UIL Sponsor of Excellence banner.”
Fiorini’s students were also unaware of his incoming award. Chamber Choir students like Bridgeland junior Olivia Nelson were able to watch in glee and astonishment as their mentor accepted his reward.
“I think it felt well deserved,” Nelson said. “All of us in chamber [choir] have seen the effort and energy he puts into our rehearsals and performances, and I think that our school’s choir program has proven that we really are a group of amazing musicians under amazing directors. I think it came as a surprise as well because we were working on perfecting our repertoire when the crowd came in.”
Dr. Bradley Kent, UIL director of music, helped honor Fiorini at the CFISD regular Board meeting on Feb. 13.
Pictured from left, Dr. Bradley Kent, UIL director of music, Debbie Blackshear, CFISD Trustee, Christopher Fiorini, Bridgeland head choir director, and John Morrison, CFISD director of fine arts, pose for a photo at the CFISD regular Board meeting on Feb. 13. Dr. Kent helped honor Fiorini at the Board meeting for his UIL Sponsor of Excellence award.“The CFISD fine arts department is thrilled to have Mr. Fiorini recognized by the UIL for his outstanding service to his students and his community,” said John Morrison, director of fine arts. “Hearing that Mr. Fiorini was only one of two music sponsors to receive this designation makes this award even that much more special.”
Bridgeland choir had an outstanding year when it came to just the achievement on the student level. With many vocalists making it to higher-level choirs, as well as national awards and gains, it is no surprise that a guiding hand like Fiorini’s had a part to play in the success.
“Mr. Fiorini is an amazing choir teacher and director,” said Mike Smith, Bridgeland principal. “He is highly respected by administrators, parents, students and his peers for his ability to inspire all students and improve their performance in a positive manner.”
Due to the UIL Sponsor of Excellence award largely being based upon the effects on students, Fiorini thanked his whole team and any and all who have helped Bridgeland choir make it to where it is today.
“I am a big proponent of this is not an award that I have won,” Fiorini said. “I wouldn’t do what I do if it weren’t for Dolores Noel and Aubrey Nelson, and frankly the parents that are so supportive of our kids. And also, our kids who will try what we tell them to do and buy in, and our administration who is so supportive, and a district who invests in the arts. I mean, none of that kind of an award happens unless all those things come to fire on all cylinders.”
Source: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
