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

The LVW Board of Directors has BIG NEWS to share.  The Board officially approved the 2026 LVW Tour, which will take us to Philadelphia, PA for the Nation's 250th Birthday Parade!  There is a bonus for this coming summer as well.  We will ALSO be attending the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI!  This is also an anniversary year for the Cherry Festival.  2026 will mark their 100th Anniversary!  So we will be participating in two major events in the same summer.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.  Check back often!

It's been a wonderful season and we'd like to celebrate! On July 4th the band will be returning to Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School right around supper time. We will be ordering hot fried chicken and invite any parents and siblings who are intending to pick their band kids up to join us for this final meal.  (This meal is not intended for extended family as the Friends and Family Day meal was.)

So that we can plan for accurate food count, we would like to know how many are planning on eating.  It is only necessary to fill out the form below if you plan on eating. 

The meal will include water and lemonade, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and...watermelon!  We are asking for a $5 donation per person (cash or check only, please) to help cover the cost of the meal. A collection for this donation will be received at the event.  Current LVW members do not have to pay.

Schedule for July 4

• 6:30 AM  Wake Up, shower, eat breakfast
• 7:15 AM  Change into uniform
• 7:45 AM   Buses arrive KMLC
• 8:00 AM   Load Buses
• 8:15 AM   Depart for Cedarburg Parade Line Up (Ozaukee County Fairgrounds on Washington Ave)
• 8:30 AM Arrive line up, unload, warm up.  Buses go to the parade disband area (TBD)
• 10:00 AM Cedarburg Hometown Parade begins - LVW is #48 in this parade
• 11:30 AM Parade ends.  Load and travel to Hartford Parade Line Up 
• 12:15 PM Arrive Hartford Parade Line Up.  Lunch served at the line up area.  Buses go to the parade disband area.
• 2:00 PM Hartford July 4th Parade begins - LVW is #47 in this parade.
• 3:30 PM After Parade Ends - Load and travel to KML
• 4:00 PM Arrive at KML - Change out of uniform.  Begin Packing.
• 5:00 PM LVW End of the Year Family Picnic
• 6:00 PM  Clean Facility, Pack, and Load
• 7:00 PM Depart for FVL
• 8:30 PM Arrive FVL.  There may be a stop in FDL along the way.

Transportation Home Following the Farewell Supper
Buses will be returning to FVL following the meal by approximately 8:30 PM.  It may be earlier pending the actual departure time from KML.  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.   If you will be picking up your LVW member following the Farewell Supper, the pick up point will be Kettle Moraine Lutheran HS, 3399 Division Road, Jackson, WI 53037.  

Final Band Checkout
The LVW Members will meet as a group for Final Announcements before they will be dismissed.  That will be following the meal, and after the school has been cleaned and given the OK.  Please don't ask to take your children home unless there are circumstances which require an early departure.  We want the full band to be together for the final singing of the Doxology!

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 Friday, July 4, at KML If you are picking up your child at KML, 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!


End of the 2025 LVW Season - To God Alone Be The Glory!
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