Hello everyone! Welcome to our food donations signup for Lutheran Vanguard.
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It's exciting to begin another season with this terrific group - both the band and the families! Thank you to the many people who have already committed to volunteering their time on the other 2024 Lutheran Vanguard signup. It wouldn't be possible to put on a season without your help! This signup is for anyone who is interested in providing a little more support, or for those who might have been unable to volunteer their time but would still like to support our band in other ways. Whatever your situation, thank you for the help you've provided!

To sign up for volunteer spots for the summer season (truck drivers, food service, parade assistants, overnight chaperon, etc.) go to our Volunteer Page.

In three weeks from today, LVW will be marching in it's first parade of the 2024 summer!  For the first time in 17 years, 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!

First - a word about our uniforms.  As you know, we purchased brand new uniforms last year, 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.  We were close last year, as we had 83 members in LVW!  Remember, that was up from 49 in 2021, and 77 in 2022.  This year, with 108 registered members, we had no choice but to purchase additional uniform jackets and bibs, as well as various other items like gauntlets and hat wraps.  How long will it be before we need to purchase more?  Time will tell, but that is an excellent "problem" to have!

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 2024 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 4  – Saturday, June 8 
Beginning time: 4:30 PM on Tuesday (arrive by 4:00) FVL will be the site of a Federation-wide Teacher In-Service until 3:30 PM, so please don't arrive before then.  Thank You!

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

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, LPS, and WLA students and staff.

The Bus will depart from KMLHS, Door 13, at 2:00 PM. Please arrive a bit earlier 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 this form (or at the link below the bus schedule) with your transportation intentions before June 1! Thank you!

1:45 PM - Arrive at KMLHS to load luggage and students
2:00 PM - Depart for FVL
2:45 PM - Stop at the Kwik Trip in FDL Hickory Road exit for pick up
3:00 PM - Depart for FVL
3:45 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 4.
All other meals along with all beverages will be provided during camp. Please bring something healthy, such as a sandwich, fresh fruit/vegetables in addition to chips/dessert items. LVW will provide beverages for the meal.

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.

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.

Camp schedule:
Tuesday, June 4:      4:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday,June 5:  8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
Thursday,June 6:      8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
Friday,June 7:           8:30 AM - 5:00 PM;  Brillion Electric Parade begins at 8:30 PM 
Saturday, June 8:      8:30  - 11:00 AM
Appleton Flag Day Parade 2:00 PM - LVW's spot in the parade is #29 out of approximately100 units in the parade.  

LVW members will be dismissed from FVL following the parade. We will be changing out of uniform and making sure the school is clean and in order before departure.  The expected time of departure will be approximately 4:30 - 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 8.

PLEASE NOTE - since almost all of the LVW parents attend the Appleton Flag Day Parade, we are not planning on a return bus that day.  Your school director can help to arrange for rides home for students whose parents are not able to pick them up at FVL following the parade.  Please plan accordingly.

First Performances of the Year: 
Our first performance of the 2024 season is Friday, June 7.  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 8, LVW will appear in the 73rd 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.  However, the 300 block of E College Ave is where MANY LVW parents and fans like to congregate, as that is where the reviewing stand has been for decades. Much more information can be found at APPLETON FLAG DAY PARADE.  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.  They also have a Facebook Page.

WFRV TV 5 will videotape 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).

What to bring with you to band camp:
LVW members should pack clothing for five days of rehearsal and performance.  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 2024, please go to our JOIN page and click on the LVW Store links.  There are separate buttons for Shoes, Shirts, and Guard items.  You can purchase the items there.  We will be ordering by the end of next week (May 24) so please do this ASAP!  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 Friday night.  All members should bring a sleeping bag/pillow/air mattress and personal items (deodorant/towel/soap/shampoo/etc). 

Packing List
1. Instrument and/or other necessary equipment
2. All music and warm-ups—memorized as much as possible!
3. Enough comfortable clothing for five 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.
4. 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.
5. A one gallon (or other large size) water jug LABLED WITH YOUR NAME
6. Reeds, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, etc.
7.  Sunglasses are a definite bonus!
8. Tennis shoes for use indoors—the shoes used outside may not be allowed on the gym floors if they are too dirty.
9. 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.)
10. Your black marching shoes (some members will be receiving these at Band Camp)
11. BLACK SOCKS for all members, including guard
12. 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. LOTS OF ENTHUSIASM AND A STRONG DESIRE TO LEARN!!

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

Color guard members are to make sure that you have 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 $3.00 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!

Emergency phone numbers for camp:
FVL - 920-739-4441 
Mr. Neujahr mobile phone - 920-740-3924 

Help needed with uniforms during camp – ESPECIALLY Wednesday and Thursday!
We will need a few volunteers to help with uniform fitting and ironing.  This will occur at various times throughout Wednesday (all day), Thursday (all day), and  Friday morning.  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].  

OF SPECIAL NOTE - we are looking for a few moms/dads who would be willing to take on the role of Uniform Custodian(s).  Chuck Adrian has filled this role for the past few summers, even after his daughter "aged out" of LVW.  We thank him for his continuing service!  A parent (or parents) from any school is welcome, but it would be especially nice if an FVL parent or two (or more) would be able to fill this position.  What is needed?  This parent would help with the uniform fittings during camp, and also attend to uniform needs throughout the season.  They will be washed likely once before the last week of the summer, and again after the summer is over.  They are machine washable!  This person (or persons) would be around when the band is changing either into or out of their uniforms to make sure that everything runs smoothly.  The duties of this position will be more fully discussed if/when someone fills that role.  If you are interested, please email me at [email protected]. 

The LVW Apparel Store is NOW OPEN! You will have until Sunday, May 12 to place your order.

The orders will be delivered during the week of June 3.  All orders will be delivered in time for the first weekend of the Brillion Parade on Friday, June 7, and the Appleton Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 8. 

NEW THIS YEAR - You can select for the orders to be shipped directly to your home!  If you don't want your order shipped, the items will be available at FVL for pick-up during the first Band Camp the week of June 4 - 8.

Of Special Note - the LVW 2024 Seasonal T-Shirt is available through this store. LVW Members should NOT order their shirt through this store, as they will be given theirs at camp. We already have their sizes from the registration page, and they will receive this shirt free of charge, as it is included in their summer fees. If members want extra shirts, they can certainly order one.

We will not have a large supply of extra shirts available, so if you want the seasonal T-Shirt, now is your chance to order!

If you have questions concerning the LVW Online Apparel Store, please use the phone and email contacts on the store website, rather than contacting your LVW director.

​https://lvwsummer2024.itemorder.com/shop/sale/