HOPEWELL, Va. (March 17, 2011) -- In support of Music in Our Schools Month, Fort Lee's 392nd Army Band performed March 10 at Dupont Elementary School and March 14 at Patrick Copeland Elementary School.

"It was a pleasure to perform for the elementary school children, and a great way to kick off this important observance," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 William S. McCulloch, band commander.

Dupont Elementary students laughed, applauded and danced to many of the songs the Dixieland Band played. One of the most explosive responses came as trumpet player, Sgt. Christian Williams, performed the popular Sesame Street melody.

A few Patrick Copeland Elementary students were able to participate in the show, doing their best to play the trombone and hold the French horn. In addition to performing, band members taught the students about the sounds and histories of the instruments they play.

"It is our ambition to be goodwill ambassadors for the Army," McCulloch said. "We are honored to entertain children in our surrounding communities by bringing patriotic music to them over the coming weeks."

Fort Lee invited area schools to request band performances during March, which is why the 392nd Army Band will travel to 16 locations by the end of the month to play patriotic concerts for an estimated 3,200 children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The band also will have a busy month in May as it serves nursing facilities.

"Since National Nurses Week is in May, it made sense to schedule a month of performances for the Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities in the area during that time," McCulloch said. "It's our gift to the nursing community and their patrons, many of whom are our nation's veterans."

To see additional photos and a video of the band's recent Music in Our Schools Month performances, visit the Fort Lee Traveller Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ftleetraveller - and look for the post with links to YouTube and Flickr.