Members of U.S. Navy Band Southeast performed for students at New River Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during Fleet Week Port Everglades, May 6.

U.S. Navy Band Southeast's woodwind quintet visited several band classes of New River and performed some of their own original renditions and sets. The band members also provided tips and advice on how to be a more efficient musician.

"I thought it was a brilliant performance," said Ronald Jules, one of New River's music class instructors. "The children got the chance to actually witness the lessons we discuss in class such as performing with movement, playing music with direction and bringing the music to life."

The day started off with the band setting up in the classroom and assembling their musical instruments and launching right into a short performance. The children observed and marveled over the precision of the musicians as they played their instruments. As the performance went on, the students took their phones out and started taking pictures and recording video of the band.

"I think it's especially helpful for the younger students," said Musician 2nd Class David Purrington, from New Orleans, who plays the bassoon for the woodwind quintet. "They are able to learn so much from us to open their minds, open the possibilities. It gives them the time to think about it and if they are excited about music, it gives them the time to prepare."

The day wrapped up with the children cheering and clapping as the performance came to a close. Some of the students mustered the courage to go up to band members and ask for a photo with them.

"Many people do not understand why we go into middle schools or elementary schools," said Chief Musician Charity Barron, from western New York, and one of Navy Band Southeast's conductors. "Recruiting would be much easier if they already have a positive taste of what the Navy is about at a young age. Today, we just wanted to give the kids something fun and happy to be thinking about the military."

Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from five ships are participating in the 25th annual Fleet Week Port Everglades, a weeklong celebration and collaboration with the community of South Florida.

The ships and units present include: the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class cutter USCGC Richard Etheridge (WPC 1102), USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) and Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The series of events and ship tours provide the citizens of South Florida an opportunity to meet Sailors and Marines, as well as witness first-hand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services, to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the maritime strategy and national defense of the United States.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/FleetWeekPortEverglades or www.twitter.com/@FleetWeekPEV.

For more news from USS Wasp (LHD 1), visit www.navy.mil/.