Rhonda Ficca – 9/24/09

This page was last updated on September 27, 2009.

Investing in the arts pays off for children; Rhonda Ficca; Beaver County Times; September 24, 2009. An editor’s note asserts, “The writer is the elementary music teacher and choral director for the New Brighton Area School District.”

Though I didn’t critique any of them, Ms. Ficca has written at least three other letters since 2005. “Music matters in education” (3/22/05) was similar to this one while others were entitled “Data base needed on medicine” (7/4/07) and “Abortion doctor’s killing unjustified” (6/7/09). I didn’t provide links because the Times website has changed and pieces prior to 8/29/09 are no longer available.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I had the privilege of attending the 32nd annual Beaver County Invitational Marching Band Festival sponsored by the New Brighton Band Parents Organization.

“With all the budget cuts and the state trying to eliminate funding, it was so wonderful to see the support for music education by the enthusiastic crowd at beautiful Geneva College.

“Research continues to show that students who participate in the arts are more likely to be successful and less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol. They are also proven to stimulate and enhance student performance in all curriculum areas and encourage self-image and empowerment.”

[RWC] Note Ms. Ficca doesn’t cite the specific research so readers could verify it if they wanted to. Ms. Ficca made a similar assertion in her 3/22/05 letter.

“It was a remarkable event with 11 high school bands, the Geneva College band and 984 students.

“It would not have been possible without the tremendous effort put forth by festival director Jamie Rapp, band parents, local businesses, organizations and all the Beaver County parents who sacrificed so their children could be participants.”