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LVW 2025 Camp #1 and First Parades Information

5/13/2025

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In only a few  weeks from today, LVW will be marching in its first parade of the 2025 summer!  For the fourth year in a row, LVW will surpass its membership total from the year before.  LVW will once again march with OVER 100 MEMBERS! And as always, LVW will be marching in parades with the Cross of Christ foremost on our minds and firmly fixed to our uniforms, as we strive to do all things to His glory!

Emergency phone numbers for camp:
FVL - 920-739-4441 
Mr. Neujahr’s FVL Phone Extension - 5160
Mr. Neujahr mobile phone - 920-740-3924 

First - a word about our uniforms.  As you know, we purchased brand new uniforms and wore them for the 2023 summer season.  We purchased 100 uniforms, which we thought would be plenty to carry us into the near future.  Because of the band’s growth in numbers, we had no choice but to purchase additional uniform jackets and bibs in 2024, as well as various other items like gauntlets and hat wraps.  Due to our uniform stock being short on various sizes, we added 24 jackets and 13 bibs this year, in addition to more hat wraps and gauntlets.  How long will it be before we need to purchase more?  Time will tell, but that is an excellent "problem" to have!  Thanks again to Chuck Adrian and his crew for making sure we have uniforms to fit every member.
This post contains LOTS of information!  Please take the time to read through EVERYTHING, as there are important details for both MEMBERS and PARENTS - so make sure members and parents read through this.  It would be a great idea to sit down and do this together, so that nothing is left to chance or missed.

Check Back to this Site OFTEN!

This website is the main method of communication for LVW.  Important updates, such as weekly itineraries, travel information, and weekend-specific information will always be posted on the "Director's Updates" page.  We will also send periodic notifications via email and Facebook (this is LVW's general Facebook page), but those messages will almost always direct you to this page. Important links will also be posted to the LVW Homepage, but again, those links will usually direct you here.

Volunteering for LVW - A Great Opportunity to Let Your Light Shine!

We will again be using "SignUp.com" to indicate when, where, and how you would like to assist.  The Volunteer Sign Up and schedule information will be coming out in the next few days.  We will post information when it is released.

Updated June and July Calendar
A Google Calendar for LVW 2025 events has been posted to our "Schedule" page.  You can click on individual events for more detailed information, including times, locations, and maps!  This will be added to and updated as more information becomes available.
Important Band Camp Information:
Dates: Tuesday, June 10  – Sunday, June 15 
Beginning time: 2:00 PM on Tuesday (arrive by 1:30)

Location: All camp activities will take place at FVL in Appleton, with a parade in Brillion (Friday), Appleton (Saturday), and Chilton (Sunday).

Camp Transportation
We will be running a bus from KML to Appleton, with a planned stop along HWY 41 in Fond du Lac at the Hickory Street Kwik Trip.  This bus is provided for WLHS, KML,ILHS, LPS, and WLA students and staff.

The Bus will depart from KMLHS, Door 13, at 12:00 PM (NOON). Please arrive by 11:45 to get loaded onto the bus. We will stop at the Kwik Trip in Fond du Lac to pick up WLA students (if necessary). Please fill out the form at the link below the bus schedule with your transportation intentions before June 1! Thank you!

11:45 PM - Arrive at KMLHS to load luggage and students
12:00 PM - Depart for FVL
12:45 PM - Stop at the Kwik Trip in FDL Hickory Road exit for pick up
1:00 PM - Depart for FVL
1:45 PM - Arrive at FVL, unload

KML Bus Plan - Transportation Intentions

Housing during Camp #1 and Camp #2
All LVW Members will be staying overnight at FVL during the first two camps of the season.  
 
LVW Staff and Members should bring a bag Supper for Tuesday, June 10.
Please bring something healthy, such as a sandwich, fresh fruit/vegetables in addition to chips/dessert items. LVW will provide beverages for the meal. All other meals along with all beverages will be provided during camp.

The best liquids to drink at rehearsals are products such as Gatorade, PowerAde, lemonade and other fruit juices, or plain cold water. Please do not bring POP (soda) to drink on rehearsal days for your lunch.  All members will be bringing a gallon water jug to camp.  See packing list below.

LVW Code of Conduct Form and Payments:
The LVW Code of Conduct was completed at registration.  Please make sure that you are up to date with any payments.  This might be a good idea to review the Code of Conduct.

Camp schedule:
Tuesday, June 10:       2:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11:      8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
Thursday, June 12:         8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
Friday, June 13:              8:30 AM - 5:00 PM;  Brillion Electric Parade begins at 8:30 PM 
Saturday, June 14:          8:30  - 11:00 AM Appleton Flag Day Parade 2:00 PM 
Sunday, June 15         7:00 AM until 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Chilton Father’s Day Parade

Dismissal:
LVW  members will be dismissed from Chilton following Sunday’s parade. We will be changing out of uniform at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Chilton and making sure the school is clean and in order before any band members are excused.  The expected time of departure will be approximately 1:30 - 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 15.


PLEASE NOTE - since many of the LVW parents attend Chilton’s Father’s Day Parade, we are not planning on a return bus to KML, WLHS, SLHS, and ILHS that day.  Your school director can help to arrange for rides home for students whose parents are not able to pick them up at Chilton following the parade.  Please plan accordingly.  The buses WILL return to FVL following the departure from Chilton.

First Performances of the Year: 
Our first performance of the 2025 season is Friday, June 13.  We will be marching in the Brillion Electric Parade. The parade will begin at 8:30 PM. A few words of caution for this parade: bring mosquito repellent, rain slickers and umbrellas (if past years are any indication of what we can expect)! The parade travels right down the middle of town on Main Street (South end and travels North) through the business district. As of this writing, LVW’s position in the parade is not known.

​Then on Saturday, June 14, LVW will appear in the 74th Annual Appleton Flag Day Parade, the “largest and oldest Flag Day Parade in the United States.” This parade begins at 2:00 PM. The route begins at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Oneida Street, travels west on Wisconsin to State Street where it turns south. It continues on State Street to College Avenue, where it travels east to Drew Street where the parade ends. At this time, we are not sure where the traditional reviewing stand may be located, as there is construction on that site.  That area will be the location of the Trout Museum of Art. Last year, the reviewing stand was at the corner of College Avenue and Superior Street, which is on the corner of the Paper Valley Hotel. Much more information can be found at APPLETON FLAG DAY PARADE, or at the City of Appleton Facebook Page.  The website MAY be updated with a map of the parade route.  A complete Parade Line Up may also be available in the near future by clicking the link.  The Flag Day Parade also has it’s own  Facebook Page.

WFRV TV 5 will record the Parade for rebroadcast on WFRV TV 5.  At the time of this writing it has not been announced when the parade will be broadcast (live and/or tape-delay).

The Chilton Father's Day Parade is Sunday, June 15!  Parade start time is 11:00 AM, and will begin near the county fairgrounds at the corner of Madison Street (Hwy 57) and Chestnut Street.  The route is the same as in previous years, it will proceed north on Madison, west on Main, north on State, east on School, south on Madison, and east on Main where it will end near Adams Street.  There are a lot of corners in the middle of the parade, since it goes around a block in the downtown area.  This has been a great parade for us in the past. Lots of parents, groupies, and family members are on hand to cheer us on! In addition, it gained a reputation as a “CANDY” parade, so if you have little ones going along (or big “Kids” at heart), bring along bags and buckets! There is no reviewing stand in this parade, and no judging, so if you want to gather with other LVW family, I would suggest somewhere along the beginning of the route on Madison Street, since it is nice and wide, and very straight. Once there, find the groupies!  Here is a map of the Chilton Parade Route.

The Father's Day Parade is the culmination of a four-day festival in Chilton.  If you would like to experience a great family event, check out the website for the Chilton Summer Festival.

TRANSPORTATION HOME FOLLOWING THE CHILTON PARADE
LVW will be busing the band to Chilton on Sunday for the parade.  The buses will be returning to FVL following the parade by approximately 2:00 - 2:30.  For all other schools, check with your transportation coordinator for arrival times following the parade. All of our non-FVL students are either riding with parents or will ride home with others from their area.  There is NO KML BUS following the Chilton parade.  If you will be picking up your LVW member following the Chilton parade, the pick up point will be St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 717 Memorial Drive, Chilton, WI 53014.  FVL parents may pick up your child at FVL when the buses return.

Checkout Procedures
If you are going to be picked up following the parade, and are not returning on the bus or with your school’s transportation, the following procedures MUST be followed:
1.  Your parents must pick you up where we are changing out of uniform. For this weekend, that will be on Sunday, at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Chilton. If you are picking up your child at St. Martin, you must be there when the band is ready to leave. If you are not there when the band is ready to leave, your child will come with the band.
2.   Your parents must check you out with the attendance chaperone from your bus. This must be done with you and your parent present.
3.  If your parents are not there when the band is ready to leave, you will come with us. We leave no one behind – EVER!
4.  You may not ride home with anyone else other than your parents UNLESS you have a written permission signed by your parents, and UNLESS that written permission is put into our hands. Parents may also email either Mr. Neujahr or Mr. Klemp, or text Mr. Neujahr at 920-740-3924 with that information.  Parents from KML may email Mrs. Hohenstein, and parents from MLHS may email Miss Scharf.  If you are bringing a signed note, DON’T FORGET THE NOTE AT HOME, because there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

What to bring with you to band camp:
LVW members should pack clothing for six days of rehearsal and THREE parade performances.  Please remember your personal uniform items, which include the black shoes/socks, gloves, and t-shirts.  PLEASE NOTE – gloves and the special Uniform Compression Shirt will be handed out at Camp. There is a more detailed packing list for band camp following so you can make sure you have all of the necessary items.

Shoes and Shirt sizes were recorded when you registered for LVW.  The shoes and shirts will be ready to hand out at camp.  Returning members - please don't forget your shoes if you did not order new ones!

If you have not yet purchased shoes, shirts, or the color guard personal items for 2025, please go to our LVW Store page.  There are separate buttons for Shoes, Shirts, and Guard items.  You can purchase the items there.  We have already placed the order for shoes and compression shirts, so if you have not done so yet, it would be wise to notify Mr. Neujahr.  You also must still go to the LVW Store to make your purchase.   If your compression shirts and shoes still fit from last summer, you will not need to purchase new ones.

We will be staying at FVL on Tuesday through Sunday morning.  

Packing List
1. Instrument and/or other necessary equipment
2. All music and warm-ups—memorized as much as possible!  A Pencil is ALWAYS considered a part of your music!
3.  Sleeping bag/pillow/air mattress and personal items (deodorant/towel/soap/shampoo/etc).
4. Enough comfortable clothing for six days of camp, especially comfortable shoes!! (Note that no sandals of any kind will be allowed for any marching or music rehearsals) Bring clothes for very warm or cool weather.
5. Sunscreen or sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) – and be sure to use it! A WIDE-BRIMMED hat/baseball cap is also a MUST. We will be outside for much of camp.
6. A one gallon (or other large size) water jug LABELED WITH YOUR NAME  This Coleman jug is popular with the LVW kids!
7. Reeds, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, etc.
8.  Sunglasses are a definite bonus!
9. Tennis shoes for use indoors—the shoes used outside may not be allowed on the gym floors if they are too dirty.
10. Frisbees, cards, cribbage boards, chess sets, etc. for any free time that you may have (NOTE: Frisbees and balls or any other throwing device will not be used at any time inside any building – this rule applies to the entire summer.)
11. Your black marching shoes (some members will be receiving these at Band Camp)
12. BLACK SOCKS for all members, including guard
13. Black Spandex or Bike shorts for under your uniform
14. Anything else that you will need for your marching instrument, equipment, uniform, and performance
15.  Ear buds, chargers, etc for personal use.
16.  VIBES Ear Plugs - for those that purchased them.
17. LOTS OF ENTHUSIASM AND A STRONG DESIRE TO LEARN!!

Since LVW will be staying at FVL for the camp beginning on Friday, June 20, LVW members can leave sleeping bags and other items at FVL.  You can plan ahead so you don’t leave anything at FVL that you will need for the week (such as Music and Instruments!).

Special Note - LVW Members will be given their Seasonal T-shirt at Camp. 

Color guard members are to make sure that you have your practice pole and flag, and all of the needed uniform items, which include black socks, black spandex shorts and other parts of the uniform (which will be supplied to you before our first performances).  Guard instructor Angela Hohenstein may send an email to all guard members with more information.

Uniforms:
We will be wearing the LVW uniforms for all performances this summer. These uniforms become the visual representation of who and what we are. Wear your uniform with pride and respect, and take care of it in the same way! Guidelines on how to take proper care of your new uniform will be given to you during band camp.

All wind and percussion players are to bring along black shoes, black socks, and black shorts as outlined above. Everyone will be given a pair of PERFORMANCE gloves, which will be worn with the uniform. The first pair will be free. For all extra gloves that you may need for the summer, the cost will be $5.00 per pair. Be sure to have your money with you. It is a good idea to purchase an extra pair, just in case. Also, for extended weekend trips with several performances, the second pair will come in very handy. If anyone loses their gloves, a new pair must be purchased. Take care of this very visible part of your uniform!

LVW Dress Code for Performance, Rehearsal, and Free/Activity Days

Special notes on your appearance for our performances:
1. No jewelry is to be worn during performances. This includes rings and watches. Ladies may wear earring posts only if they are covered by Band-Aid material. If your ears were not already pierced, it would be wise to wait until after our season is done! 
2. Guys are allowed to wear earrings for rehearsals or other non-performance times while with the band. The following guidelines apply to guys – you are permitted to wear one post or stud earring per ear. You are not permitted to wear dangling or hoop earrings, or more than one earring per ear lobe.
3. Hair must be worn up in the hat. There are to be no bangs allowed to hang down in front, or curls down the side. If the hair reaches over the collar of the uniform, it must be worn under the hat, either pinned up or contained in a hair net. This includes gentlemen whose hair is long and/or unkempt.  Gentlemen, it is best if your hair is cut short for the summer.
4. Gentlemen must be clean-shaven for all performances.

Attire when with the band:
As we head into the summer season, we would like to remind you to use good taste and judgement in your choice of what to wear. Remember that we are all witnesses for our Savior, even in rehearsals! Please follow these guidelines:
1. Extremely short shorts, bare midriffs, nearly-bare midriffs (if your tummy shows when you stretch up), spaghetti-strap tank-tops, or the very loose-fitting sleeveless-style tops are not acceptable for any of our members, male or female, as these could detract from the image and purpose of our band, and could possibly prove to be a stumbling block for others.
2. Gentlemen must wear a shirt at all times, for the same reasons as in #1.
3. Shirts, caps, or other clothing with logos of rock groups, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or objectionable slogans are not to be worn, as they detract from the image and purpose of our band.
4. Shoes must be worn at all times, except when sleeping. Shower flip-flops should be worn to and from the showers.
A good rule of thumb in choosing clothing for any LVW activity is this: If you have to ask, don’t wear it!

Help needed with uniforms during camp

We are in need of help on Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning, and Thursday (until all uniforms are ready for Friday’s parade).

We will need a few volunteers to help with uniform fitting and ironing.  We had lots of volunteers during the March pressing (ironing) party, accomplished the needed work quickly, and had a lot of fun.  If you know how a hanger works, you are more than qualified.

Watch for information on the Volunteer Sign Up Form.  Any and all help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!  If you have special uniform-related questions, or would like to volunteer your time, you can contact Chuck Adrian at [email protected].  

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VIBES High Fidelity Ear Plugs - Offer for LVW Members, Staff, and Families

3/21/2025

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VIBES Ear Plugs have partnered with The Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard, and many other drum corps and musical organizations.  We would like to do the same for our LVW families!  Read below for information provided to us by VIBES.  

Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs (seen on TV's Shark Tank) are discreet, reusable earplugs designed for musicians - instead of blocking and muffling sound like traditional foam earplugs, Vibes reduce the volume of loud live music to a safer and more comfortable level that prevents permanent hearing damage, while still allowing you to hear yourself and the rest of the ensemble play clearly. 
Each pair of Vibes also includes:
  • Three sizes of interchangeable eartips to ensure a proper fit for any sized ear
  • Attachable cord that allow the earplugs to be hung around the neck and prevents them from getting lost
  • Pocket-sized carrying case
Vibes are trusted by over 200 of the country's top high school and college band programs (including schools like U of Alabama, U of Texas, Indiana U, and UW-Eau Claire), professional orchestras, military bands, independent WGI ensembles, and DCI drum corps.

Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin members (and their families) and staff are eligible to purchase Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs at the price of $17.00/pair, discounted from the standard price of $28.95/pair. All orders must be placed by end of day on Tuesday, April 15. Staff will distribute the earplugs to the those who place orders.

Click this link to learn more about Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs and to place your order.

​
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Uniform Help Requested for March 30

3/19/2025

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​We are looking for volunteers to help press the creases back into the LVW bibs.  This will be done on Sunday, March 30th, at the same time as the Rehearsal Camp at FVL (1:00 to 5:00pm).  Volunteers should come to the uniform room (across from the band room) or fine arts classroom (1029, the room with the mirrors) and look for Rachel McCabe.
 
We will have a couple irons and ironing boards available, but it would be helpful if a few volunteers brought an iron and/or board.  Distilled water and other supplies will be on hand.  Not everyone will be pressing bibs all the time; we also need volunteers to rehang the bibs that have been pressed.  Many hands will make light work.
 
So if you were wondering what you were going to do in the Appleton area while your son or daughter is rehearsing, or if you just want to meet other LVW parents and make new friends, consider helping make the band look sharp by volunteering for the pressing party.  If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Adrian ([email protected]).

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March 30 Rehearsal Camp at FVL

3/14/2025

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​The March rehearsal camp will be held at FVL.   Rehearsal will begin at 1:00.  Please plan on arriving at least 15 to 20 minutes early. We will conclude all of our activities by 5:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. Please check with your school’s director/LVW coordinator for travel plans to and from the rehearsal.  

Information is posted on the homepage for the KML Bus.  Here is the same information:

Please RSVP for the rehearsal, even if you are unable to attend.  The RSVP form is found on the LVW website's homepage at www.lutheranvanguard.org. You can also click the Button below.

There will be no LVW meal provided at rehearsal, so you may want to pack a brown bag supper for the return trip home. Again, check with your school's transportation, as some groups may stop at a fast food restaurant after rehearsal.

Please wear comfortable shorts or sweats for rehearsal. A nice pair of tennis shoes is also a must.  You should also bring a water bottle or water jug.  If the weather cooperates, we may go outside for visual rehearsals!  Please dress appropriately for the weather.

OF SPECIAL NOTE - The FVL Student Council will be using the Commons for a pizza fundraising project that day.  They are making pizzas with Pizza Pros, which we all know as Mr. Adrian's company.  There is also Youth Softball practices scheduled for both the large and small gyms.  If the weather is nice, they MAY be outside.  So just in case, LVW has reserved the new Timothy Trout Sports Center for the day!  We will be able to use the Center for Color Guard rehearsal, as well as visual rehearsals, especially if the weather is not cooperating for outdoor rehearsal.  We will plan on the percussion section using the Band Room, and the winds using the Auditorium for music rehearsals.

If this is your first rehearsal for 2025, you will be given your music at rehearsal.  Wind players, please bring your own instrument.  Brass players, remember to bring your own mouthpiece if you are using an LVW brass instrument (Mellophone, Baritone, Tuba).

COLOR GUARD: if you still need Color Guard shoes and/or the LVW Practice Flag, please go to the LVW STORE page and click the appropriate Buttons to order what you need. If you are a returning member, please check to make sure your shoes still fit and are in good shape BEFORE you come to the June Camp! Those that have already purchased the LVW Practice Flag will be receiving them at the March rehearsal.  There is still time to purchase one if you have not done so yet.  Flags will not be handed out if they have not been paid for on the LVW Store. 

WINDS/PERCUSSION: if you need black marching shoes or the LVW uniform compression shirts, please go to the LVW STORE page and click the appropriate Buttons to order what you need. Shoes and compression shirts will be ordered shortly after the rehearsal, so PLEASE order them ASAP if you have not done so.  The shoes and compression shirts will be handed out during the June Camp.  If you are a returning member, please check to make sure your shoes still fit and are in good shape BEFORE you come to the June Camp!  Thank you for checking on those things ahead of time.

If you know of someone who may still want to join LVW for this season, please direct them to the website and the RSVP.  We may still be able to accept new members for the wind section, but time is quickly running out.  Our Color Guard and Percussion sections are not taking on new members   As this is the final rehearsal before the summer season begins, new members MUST attend this rehearsal, as we will not be accepting new members after the March camp.

Check back to this page occasionally. There may be more updates before the rehearsal.
March 30 Camp RSVP
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LVW to Open the Rotary Music Festival, A Drum Corps International Tour Event - Reserve your Tickets here

2/7/2025

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​Hello LVW Friends and Family.  Please use this form to reserve your tickets in the LVW Block for the Cedarburg show, which will be held at Cedarburg HS on Wednesday, July 2.  LVW will be performing a concert standstill performance to open the show.  You can find more information for the show and who is performing at Rotary Music Festival.  It will be a great show, featuring six of last summer's top twelve corps at the World Championships!


The show is reserving 115 tickets for the LVW Members and Directors.  They will not need to order or reserve tickets.  This form is for reserving additional tickets for you, your family, relatives, or any other friends of LVW.  This show is very likely to sell out.  DCI will begin online ticket sales for all shows on Monday, February 10.  

You are not actually purchasing or paying for your ticket with this form.  It is simply a form so that I know how many tickets to purchase in the LVW Block.  We will be paying the Group Rate for our tickets.  That is typically a $5 savings per ticket from the full ticket price.  Since Drum Corps International has not posted their prices yet, you can expect to pay between $20 - $30 for each ticket.  The block will not be in the premium sections, but in the lower-price sections.  If you would like to purchase premium tickets on your own, please DO NOT use this form.  

Payment will be done through the LVW Store, which can be found on our website.  You will be notified when that becomes available.  For now, you are simply letting us know how many tickets you will purchase.

In order to make sure we have these tickets reserved, please fill out and submit this form by Friday, February 28.  After that I will purchase the group tickets through Drum Corps International.  After that purchase is made, I will not be able to get additional tickets in the LVW Block.  So please make sure you submit before February 28.

If you have questions, please contact James Neujahr at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support, and get excited for LVW 2025!
The Ticket Reservation is Now Closed
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Volunteer for the January Camp - We Need You!

12/27/2024

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Greetings Musicians, Parents, Relatives, and Friends of Lutheran Vanguard. I'm so excited to get another Vanguard season underway! The staff has been busy selecting music, scoping out parades, planning travel and accommodations, and making all the necessary arrangements for another great season of marching…and it all begins with our January Band Camp. Open to all WELS students in grades 8 through high school, the camp will be held on January 4 and 5 at Fox Valley Lutheran HS. Even if your child hasn’t officially decided to join yet, this camp will provide an excellent opportunity for you to see what Vanguard is all about. You’re all welcome to attend this free weekend camp! In order to make the weekend a success, we need volunteers to help out with a few things. Please read through the list, check your schedule, and find a volunteer opportunity that you can sign up for. I hope to see you soon!
Volunteer for the January Camp
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KML Bus Transportation Plan - January Camp

12/26/2024

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Mrs. Hohenstein is coordinating the KML Bus for the January Camp.  She will be emailing all the WLA/KML/WLHS/PREP families with bus information and a reply form. Any other non-KML families or homeschool students who wish to ride the bus should email her directly if you plan to ride.  We don't want to miss anyone!  

Mrs. Hohenstein Email - 
[email protected]

Bus Schedule
Jan 4 - Load at KML Door 13, depart KML at 10:30am, arrive at Hickory Street Kwik Trip around 11:15am
Jan. 5 - pick up from FVL at 4:00pm, Drop off at Hickory Street if needed
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January 4-5 Rehearsal and Preview Camp Information

11/21/2024

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Hello LVW Staff, Directors, Volunteers, and both past, present, and future LVW Parents and Students!  It is just a few short weeks until our first rehearsals at the January Camp - can you feel the excitement?

The 2025 season officially gets under way during the weekend of January 4-5. Rehearsal will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday.  We will begin in the auditorium for the welcome from the staff, opening announcements, and an overview of the two-day camp. We will conclude all our activities by 4:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. Please check with your school’s director/LVW coordinator for travel plans to and from the camp.

Camp Location:
Fox Valley Lutheran HS
5300 N Meade Street
​Appleton, WI 54913

If you are sure you will be marching with LVW this summer, go ahead and REGISTER for the season (This is NOT the same as the RSVP - they are two different forms).  We have quite a few members already registered!  We want all members registered by February 1st, so this first weekend camp will serve as a great introduction to what LVW can be.  So if you’re not quite sure about an LVW commitment, come to the camp and experience the fellowship, friendship, and excitement of LVW!

IMPORTANT - Please RSVP for the camp, even if you are unable to attend January 4-5 but intend to participate in 2025.  A link to the RSVP is also located on the LVW homepage.

This RSVP form is intended for Returning LVW Members, Staff/Directors, New LVW Members, and Parent Volunteers.  We will need an accurate "head count" for things like meal planning, music, equipment, and so on.

Parents – if you would like to volunteer for the camp, we will have a Sign Up in a separate post on our website.  That sign up will be posted within the coming weeks.  We will have volunteer spots for kitchen help, overnight chaperons, uniform fitting/measuring, and possibly a few more tasks.

When you arrive at FVL
There will be signs and volunteers directing you where to take your overnight gear, suitcases, instruments, and so on.  There will be lots of activity at FVL that weekend and we want to make sure first where everything will go.  Students will be sleeping in music rooms and gyms.  It can get chilly at night at FVL, so please bring warm sleeping bags and/or blankets!

Meals
For Saturday supper, pack a BAG SUPPER.  Saturday evening snack, as well as Sunday breakfast and lunch will be provided by LVW.

Worship Service
We will be attending worship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton on Saturday evening. We will provide time to change into suitable clothes for this service.  The service begins at 5:30 PM.  It will be a communion service.

What to Bring
You will need to pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, overnight gear (Sleeping bag/blanket/pillow/air mattress/etc.), personal items (towel, soap/shampoo, deodorant, etc). We will be sleeping overnight at FVL.

For marching rehearsals, you will need to have comfortable shorts or sweats. Please don’t wear “jeans” for marching/visual rehearsals. You will also need a pair of CLEAN tennis shoes for use on the gym floor.

Don’t forget your instrument! If you will be using an LVW instrument (mellophone, baritone, tuba), you will need to bring your own mouthpiece. Reed players, please make sure you have a few working reeds for the weekend.

You will be given your music and other LVW equipment on Saturday at the start of camp.

Check back to the LVW Website occasionally. There may be more updates before the Camp.

Please tell your friends about this post, especially if they may be new to LVW.  We want excellent attendance at this camp!

For Returning and New Members
There is preparatory work that you can do to ensure the 2025 season kicks off strong.  Please continue to ready your bodies by exercising, stretching, and finding ways to make your muscles stronger.  Even a 1 pound flute gets heavy after holding it up for several minutes (with excellent posture!) 

Practice your instrument.  Make sure your skills are at the top of their game because you will be challenged by our staff and our music as we push toward excellence.

Know someone who might be interested?  Invite them to join you, at least for this first camp.  After all, marching band is way better with a friend (not that you won't have 100 or more new friends from around the state within a few months...)

And remember the more important preparation we're all enjoying this season, the advent of the baby Jesus, God's gracious gift to us and the fulfillment of his ancient promises.  Say a prayer of thanks for the undeserved physical and spiritual blessings we receive every day, and ask God to help you find ways to use those blessings to his glory.  

The LVW Staff can't wait to see you in January!
January 4-5 Rehearsal and Preview Camp RSVP
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LVW 2024 Membership Information

11/1/2024

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Information for the 2025 LVW Season has been added to the JOIN page! You can also see the 2025 Recruitment Information on the 2025 Member Info Pack page.

We will be marching in many of the Wisconsin parades where we have gained quite a following!  Not just our own parents and friends of LVW want to see us, but communities and parade organizers are REQUESTING that we march in their parades!  We will be marching in more parades in Wisconsin this summer than we have for a few years, giving our families ample opportunities to enjoy our performances.  

The Online Registration will open on November 15.  Until then, read through the information, ask questions, share with your friends, and get excited for next season!

The first rehearsal camp is in TWO SHORT MONTHS!  Start recruiting new members, and get excited to LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
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LVW Drum Major Auditions

10/31/2024

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With the graduation of Silas Amundson, LVW will be filling a Drum Major position in 2025.  Dan Hoogervoorst is returning for his final year as Drum Major.  

The auditions will take place at KML on Saturday afternoon, December 14.  

A drum major is first and foremost a representative of the Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin and, more importantly, their Savior. They are the one “standing out front” as a model for fellow band members and for the community. Their role is to serve as an example of Christian leadership and service not only in rehearsals and performances but also in how they conduct themselves and interact with others when not “on duty.” 

Requirements
  • Minimum of one year of experience with LVW
  • Current band member at a WELS area Lutheran high school or member of a WELS congregation
Responsibilities
  • Directing warmups at rehearsals and performances
  • Conducting music during rehearsals as determined by the directors
  • Assisting with and/or leading sectional rehearsals as needed
  • Acting as a liaison between directors/staff and ensemble members
  • Leading various activities as determined by staff
  • Assisting with marching and drill as determined by the visuals instructor
  • Promoting the health and growth of the group (physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional)
  • Other duties as determined by staff
Expectations
  • Attendance at all rehearsals and performances unless excused by the executive director
  • Prompt arrival at rehearsals and performances (read: show up early)
  • Have a working knowledge of warmup music and performance music for the season 
  • Ability to march and demonstrate marching basics, mark off step size, and spacing for marching
Those desiring to hold this position will fill out the application form at the link below by November 16 and audition at the designated time. The audition will consist of conducting, giving voice commands, marching, and an interview with members of the staff. Materials will be shared with those interested in auditioning.

If you are interested in auditioning for the Drum Major position, please go to the Drum Major Audition Criteria page.  There you will see lots more information as to what the audition will consist of, and what you will need to prepare.

LVW DM Application Form
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    James Neujahr

    Hello everyone!  Thanks for visiting the Blog!  I have been a director for LVW since 1987, and Executive Director since 1998.  I am the band director at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI, a position I have held also since 1998.  Come back often!

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