Looking to spruce up your wardrobe, now that spring has sprung? Thinking ahead to the road trip in July and wondering how to show your support for LVW?

Check out the LVW Store! The online store has lots of items, including shirts, jackets, shorts, sweats, caps, backpacks, and more!  The 2026 season t-shirts are also available for friends and families to purchase. Note that current LVW members do NOT need to order a season shirt; those are included in your 2026 season fees.

The LVW Store will close at midnight on Monday, May 10.  

Items will be available to pick up at Band Camp in June at Fox Valley Lutheran HS.  Those who are unable to pick up items in person will have the option to have items shipped directly to their home.  This mail-to-home option also makes it so much easier for distant friends, family members, relatives, and  alumni to purchase items.  

Most items come in a variety of color options.  We are also offering "Tall Men" sizes.  Check out the LVW Store to see all of the clothing and accessory options as well as the color options for each item.
​
If you have questions about the items or the sale in general, contact Master Printwear at 262-677-0450 or [email protected]. 

As the spring weather swings back and forth with the decisiveness of a toddler, it can only mean one thing: marching season is close! Here are some reminders...

​The updated season calendar is here! Please check out the calendar and add it to your own. It has the updated parades, times, and more. Thanks to all who reached out with the concern about an extremely late April rehearsal. While a 6pm rehearsal is intriguing, it is ​still a school night. We won't be the reason you stay up late. We got the settings and time zone changed, so hopefully we're good to go. 

We have rehearsal on Sunday, April 12 from 1:00-5:00pm at FVL. This is a full rehearsal for all. Please RSVP here.

You will need your instrument (or flag), music (can be found in the Member Student section of the website, click on "more" at the top right), and footwear appropriate for marching. This means that there is a front and a full back on the shoe. Crocs don't count. Slides don't count. Clogs? Not the backless kind. Don't even think about flip flops.

Those travelling from the far corners of the kingdom should check with their director to verify departure times, snacks for the road, and such. 

KML kids: The bus will depart at 11am from Door 13 at KMLHS. We'll leave FVL at 5pm with a quick stop at Kwik Trip on our way back to KML. Everyone who plans to ride or not ride the bus from KML/WLHS/LPS/Homeschool Area of WLHS and KML, needs to fill out the form yes/no and add phone number. THANK YOU!


While the students rehearse that afternoon, we are looking for volunteers to help freshen up the creases in the uniforms.  Ironing skills are appreciated but not required. Some volunteers are needed to rehang and rack the uniforms after pressing. Consider helping with this project, especially if you are looking for something to do between dropping your student off and taking her/him back home. Meet other parents. Have fun. There will be snacks. Reach out to us if you have questions, and we'll point you to Chuck Adrian for the answers. You can also use the RSVP link to let us know if you're planning to come or not. Thanks!

If you have not yet ordered marching shoes or shirts, please do so by May 1. Now is a great time to try on the old marching shoes! If your bibs had to be lengthened in January, chances are good that you're going to need a bigger shoe, too. Also remember that they will need to last for the whole season. If the condition of the sole is questionable and it appears that they may need a hug of electrical tape, it's time to get some new ones. We have a limited number of gently used shoes in random sizes. If you are interested in checking them out, we'll have them available on April 12.

Many of you know that we are holding a CFS mattress fundraiser on April 11 from 10:00-4:30 at FVL. Please share this with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, dog walkers, baristas, and everyone you know! More information will be in an email, but long story short - the more mattresses sold, the more money we get to help reduce our costs. Don't live in the Appleton area? No problem! CFS holds events all over the state. More info will be in the email. 

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. If you need assistance with anything, please let us know by sending an email: [email protected]. God be with you as we ponder his journey to the cross and celebrate his glorious victory over death for us! We'll see you soon!

Three more sleeps until Preview Camp! Here are a few reminders about the coming weekend:

RSVP if you have not already done so and plan to come! Do this ASAP so that we can be as prepared as possible to accommodate everyone.

Camp starts at 1:00pm on Saturday in the FVL auditorium. Those of you traveling from afar like the Magi - be sure to check out the travel times and information provided by your director.  You will need to check in when you arrive; that will happen in the Commons. We will also have signs and/or people directing you to where to put your belongings when you arrive. 

Things to pack:

• YOUR OWN SUPPER for Saturday. Something in a bag is great. Like a sandwich and veggies. And leftover Christmas cookies.
• TWIN AIR MATTRESS/SLEEPING MAT, PILLOW, AND BEDDING. We do not have a lot of wiggle room in the sleeping quarters, so please don't bring your queen-sized double-high mattress. It does get cold, however, so bring/wear something warm. Emotional support stuffed animals are also allowed.
• TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS - anything you'll need for taking a shower, brushing teeth, making yourself presentable to be around people, etc. This includes a TOWEL that you will definitely NOT forget to take home on Sunday.
• CHURCH-APPROPRIATE CLOTHES - we are attending church at Mount Olive on Saturday evening. Dressing nicely is encouraged. It doesn't have to be fancy, just nice for Jesus.
• INSTRUMENT - if you are planning to use one of the marching brass instruments (baritone, mellophone, contra), please let us know via email ([email protected]) or this form. Trombone/euphonium players - for those of you who haven't played a marching baritone before, you can bring your regular instrument to use and ease into using the marching one. Those of you who have played the marching one before - if you have practice marching gloves, you may want to bring those to help keep the instruments free from tarnish and wear. Woodwind players - make sure to bring extra reeds and such as needed!
• COMFORTABLE CLOTHES AND SHOES - we will be working on marching. Shoes without backs (crocs, clogs, etc.) are NOT acceptable for marching. Athletic shoes with good support are DEFINITELY recommended! Also remember that while it is the end of Christmas break, school dress code is in effect!
• WATER BOTTLE - to stay hydrated and healthy. Let's share memories, not germs.
  

If you have any questions or concerns before Saturday, please feel free to reach out to us via email. We look forward to seeing you soon! Happy New Year!

The KML Bus for LVW PREVIEW CAMP will be leaving at 10:30am on January 3, 2026--and we will make a quick stop at the Kwik Trip in Fond du Lac if there are WLA students to pickup. Please arrive between 10:20-10:25am to load.
 
There is a return bus departing from FVL on January 4 at 4pm. Again, we will stop at the Fond du Lac Kwik Trip as needed!
 
Please sign up to ride the bus here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18aMW0SES-0PJpxL5UuZGFnzEhuyv8v2m0Xv1wjpk-Aw/edit?usp=sharing

​All other schools - please talk to your school's director to see if there are carpooling options available.

The 2026 season officially begins with our preview and rehearsal camp at Fox Valley Lutheran High School on January 3-4. We will kick things off in the FVL auditorium at 1pm and will wrap up the weekend at 4pm on Sunday. Please check with your school’s director/LVW coordinator for travel plans to and from the camp.

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 for the January camp - they are two different forms). We actually have quite a few members already registered!

This January camp will serve as a great introduction to what LVW can be, so if you're not quite sure about committing for the season, come to the camp and experience the fellowship, friendship, and excitement of LVW!

*IMPORTANT: Please fill out this RSVP form for the camp, even if you are unable to attend January 3-4 but intend to participate in 2026. This form is intended for all new and returning LVW members, staff/directors, and parent volunteers. It will help get an accurate head count for things like meal planning, music, equipment, and so on.

Parents and guardians - if you would like to volunteer for the camp, we will have a sign-up coming for that soon. We will have spots for kitchen help, overnight chaperones, uniform fitting/measuring, and possibly a few other tasks.

When you arrive at FVL
There will be signs and volunteers directing you to 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 you know where things 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.

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 2026 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!

WIth the graduation of Dan Hoogervorst and Clara Kopitzke, LVW will be filling two drum major positions for the 2026 season. The auditions will take place at Fox Valley Lutheran High School on Saturday, December 13.  

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 this link by November 28 and audition at the designated time on December 13. 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.
 
Lots more information regarding what the audition will consist of and what you will need to prepare can be found at this link. We look forward to seeing our future leaders step up and take charge!

Get a "taste of Vanguard" with 20 of the band's recent favorite recipes in this cookbook. You'll be treated to not only the original recipes, but also the enlarged scale recipes used by our staff in the past season.  (Need graduation party ideas, anyone??)  This 8x8 hardcover book is loaded with photographs and memories of your favorite band throughout the years.  We hope this keepsake will fill your heart and leave you hungry for another season of friendships and musical fanfares.

This sale will end at Midnight on Friday, November 21.  

Profits raised through this sale will be used to help fund our upcoming trip to Philadelphia, where we look forward to marching in our nation's 250th birthday parade. Makes an ideal Christmas gift!

Please use the Google Form below to record the details of your order. You can choose the quantity, as well as how you would like your book(s) delivered.  We will also need your contact information as well as your address.

There will be an option to pick your copies up at the following locations or have it shipped to your home:
Fox Valley Lutheran HS, Kettle Moraine Lutheran HS, Manitowoc Lutheran HS, Wisconsin Lutheran HS.​

You must use THIS LINK to pay for your order in addition to filling out this form.  You will be going to an E-Funds for School website controlled by Fox Valley Lutheran HS.  Click on "Pay for LVW Cookbook".  Then on the next screen, if you don't already have an account, please use "Continue as Guest" when prompted.  Thank you! 

The LVW Board of Directors are extremely happy to announce that the Member Fee for 2026 is LOWER than we anticipated!  After much discussion, crunching numbers, analyzing variations to the schedule and how it would affect cost, anticipating revenue, and anticipating the size of our band next summer, the Member Fee has been set to $1400.

This Member Fee amount is actually $350 LOWER than the "actual" cost per member for 2026, which is around $1750.  The Board of Directors included in our revenue the anticipated appearance money for next summer, and also voted to grant a "scholarship" which will be drawn from our cash reserves for every member.  

The Board will reach out to alumni and friends of LVW for possible donations to assist in covering costs for 2026.  In addition, since we are releasing the schedule and the Member Fee much earlier than we have in the past, we are hoping that families can begin to prepare for the larger cost associated with going on the extended tour.  It is not uncommon for LVW members to ask Grandparents and relatives to help out with funds if they are able.  There are other creative ways that members can bring in some extra cash to cover the fee.  LVW hopes to share some of those methods in the near future.

The members of the LVW Board of Directors agree that releasing the schedule as early as possible would be most beneficial for the coming season.  Many families have been asking about the tour possibilities, and when events will take place, so they can begin planning their vacation time, hotel reservations, and so on.

Most dates are certain.  We have to make a few decisions yet for the detailed schedule for each day, what we will do during free time and sightseeing opportunities, some housing locations, etc.  We have a fairly good idea of things like housing, but they simply need to be confirmed yet.

We have contracted with two different hotels while on tour.  In the Philadelphia area we will be staying at the Hampton Inn - Willow Grove.  The address is 1500 Easton Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090.  We will be housed there on the evenings of July 2 - 4. After our day in Gettysburg, we will be staying at the Country Inn and Suites  by Radisson, 399 Beddington Blvd Chambersburg, PA 17201.

Please note that LVW is NOT reserving a block of rooms for parents and family members who may wish to follow along with the band.  Our room reservations have been secured for the LVW members, directors, and volunteers who will be traveling with the band for the majority of the tour.  We will have need for 12 - 15 volunteers (chaperons) who will be traveling with the band (on the bus and staying with the band) for the tour.  That information and sign ups will be released in the future.  

Here is the outline for the LVW 2026 Summer Season