Hello, LVW 2024 Family!

Years ago one of the things we did at the end of a season is get together one last time to share memories, share photos, and say goodbye (for now). We thought we'd see if there was interest in starting that up again this year. When looking for potential dates, we thought we could maybe tie it in with DCI Finals on Saturday, August 10 and offer the opportunity for people to stay and watch the livestream of that event together. 

Our plan is to have lunch at KML at noon that day. This will be very similar to how we ran the LVW Friends and Family Performance meal. LVW will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. To help cover the cost of meat, buns, and condiments, we are asking for a $5 donation per person for the meal. If you are so inclined, you may bring a side dish or a dessert to share.  
So that we can plan for that meal, we would like to know how many are planning on eating. This event is open to all 2024 marching members and any immediate family members that would like to attend as well. It is only necessary to fill out the form below if you plan on eating. There is an additional question for you to indicate if you would be bringing a side dish or a dessert. There is one final question so we know how many people would like to stay into the evening for the DCI Finals stream. Depending on the number of people staying, we'll either use the band room or the auditorium. We'll also have use of the gym from 12:30-4:30 if anyone would like to use it. We've been asked to bring our own basketballs, volleyballs, or anything else people would like to use. If the weather is nice, outside spaces can be used as well so feel free to bring any lawn games if you'd like!

We will also be handing out commemorative crosses to the members who marched this summer. Those didn't make it on to the truck to Door County so we weren't able to hand them out to everyone the last time we were together. If any members are unable to make it to the picnic, we'll be sure to get their crosses to them some other way!

We'll need some volunteers to make this all happen. If you are able to help with grilling the meat, serving the food, or cleaning up afterward, please contact Mr. Klemp at [email protected]. If you have any questions about anything else regarding that day, please contact Mr. Amundson at [email protected]. 

The link to sign up can be found here!

We have received the final information for the Lake Mills and the Kenosha Parades.  Much of this information was on our website already, but this is the "Final, Official" information from each parade.  There is some new information for the Lake Mills Parade.  The parade map for Kenosha is the same as we have previously posted, but this one says 2024 on top instead of 2021.

Lake Mills Town and Country Days Parade

The parade will again be following the “classic route” down Main Street (going from the corner of East Lake Park Place and Main Street and ending with a final turn on East Prospect Street.  

Parade Line Up Location Photo - LVW is #60 in the parade out of 71 units.
Parade Route Map and Disband area
Parade Line Up Order
Parade Day Information

Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade

Parade Route Map and Staging Area Map - We are the first unit in "Division 5". There are about 20 units in each Division.
Parade Report Times and Parade Line Up

We are getting so close to the end of our summer season!  We have updated the LVW Website with the last few major posts of the year.  You can find information in two separate posts on the following:

• Daily Itinerary and Schedules for June 28 - July 5
• Parade, Packing, Housing, Activities Information for June 28 - July 5

Volunteer Needs 
The Volunteer sign up has been updated with needs for the rest of the summer.  There are plenty of spots open!  In fact, it was just updated on Friday morning, so you can pick your favorite spots before they get taken!  Go to the LVW Volunteer Sign Up Form to check out the volunteer needs.

LVW Friends and Family Day
Tomorrow, June 23, is the LVW Friends and Family Day at KML.  MANY have indicated they will be eating the meal and attending the special afternoon performance.  In fact, as of right now (more are being added throughout the day today) there are 220 guests expected!  Thank you for your interest and support of LVW!

Here are a few points of information for tomorrow's event:
1.  Volunteers needed for the following:

• Food Preparation and Serving - you can simply "report to the Commons" if you are willing to help
• Uniform Training - We would like more parents to become familiar with the LVW Uniforms and how they are distributed prior to and after performances.  If you can help, Mr. Adrian will have some "Uniform Training" as the LVW members are changing into uniform following the meal, and again after the performance is over.  No need to sign up.  Simply show up!

2.  If you are bringing a side dish or a dessert:

• Bring them to the KML Commons when you arrive
• PLEASE - if possible bring your food to share in a disposable container.  If not, be sure to pick up your serving dishes before you leave.

3.  We are asking for a $5 donation for all who are eating the meal.  We will not have cashiers - rather, we will have a few donation boxes in the Commons where you can simply drop off your donation.  Feeding an additional 200 mouths is not inexpensive, so we really appreciate your willingness to donate to the meal!

4.  Eating the Meal

• The food will be served from inside the KML Commons (Volunteers needed!)
• We will have tables set up for the food donations and the items provided by LVW
• We will have over 300 people eating!  There aren't that many tables and chairs in the KML Commons, so we are strongly suggesting that you bring along some picnic chairs/blankets for eating your meal.  After all, it will finally be a nice day outside!

5.  Parking

• There will be a junior theater performance going on in the KML PAC in the afternoon
• Please don't park in the PAC lot
• There should be ample parking in the "Upper Lot" as well as in the main parking lot

6.  The Performance

• LVW will be performing in a few places, including the KML Track/Football Field and on the driveway entrance to the KML Campus
• Seating will be available in the Football Bleachers
• You can film and follow along from inside the track while the band is marching on the track
• LVW will do a "simulated parade" of our new tune and drill, Sinfonia Voci" on the service drive that enters the KML Campus. 
• LVW will do a "standstill performance" of all of their music - this is a good opportunity to get your videos of the music from beginning to end!

This day will provide you with the BEST OPPORTUNITY to get your photos and video!  This is the purpose of the performance.  We want you to get "Up Close and Personal" with the band on this day, rather than trying to get video along a parade route!  Please see the LVW Parade Etiquette post for our family parade guidelines.

Thanks so much for your continued support of LVW!  We pray that the Lord would bless our day of fellowship with the extended LVW Family!

Here is information for the LVW members and support staff as you prepare for the last week of the season, as well as the trip to Door County.  

It will be the "BIGGEST WEEK OF THE SEASON" with four parades over the final eight days!  The first parade of this week will take place on Saturday, June 28, as we march in the Lake Mills Hometown Days Parade.  Following that parade, the band will return to KML before heading to Cedar Community for a special performance for the residents there.  The next day, Sunday, June 30, we march in the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade.  That night we will be taking the band "South of the Border" to Lisle, Illinois for the Cavalcade of Brass DCI show!  After a very busy couple of days, we will settle in to KML for our final two days of rehearsal.  Then on Wednesday, July 3, the band heads to beautiful Door County for the final three days of the summer.  The band will participate in two parades on Thursday, July 4, as we celebrate our Nation's Independence.  The parades will take place in Bailey's Harbor, followed by our final parade in Egg Harbor.  It has been 22 years since LVW appeared in Door County, so this will be an extra special end to our season!  Our final day together for 2024 will be spent at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, where the band can enjoy their last few hours of the season having fun and simply being with each other.

Many thanks go out to our crew of volunteers!  Our kitchen coordinators and workers put in more time than anyone can imagine keeping our band fed and well nourished!  The uniform staff has done well to keep us looking awesome!  Again, their work behind the scenes and on off days is much appreciated.   Thanks especially to Tim Klemp, our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Klemp, our Food Service Coordinator, and Chuck Adrian and Rachel McCabe, our Head Uniform Custodians.  A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS!

The first three weeks of our season have been spent primarily in rehearsal with a few parades.  The kids and staff have pushed to make our parade performances as good as they can possibly be.  They have successfully added "Sinfonia Voci" with new guard work, music, and drill.  They have recently added the "backwards marching" during the Doxology Tag.  Their efforts will finally be rewarded at the end of our summer with some much needed Free Time and Fun Time for socializing!

Many of our LVW members will also be traveling to Colorado for the WELS Youth Rally!  Twenty-two students will be going to enjoy the fellowship and other activities at the Rally.  We pray that they have a wonderful time, and have safe travels both there and back again.  Some of those students will be joining LVW by Saturday, June 29, a few more on June 30, and the remaining students will be back with LVW sometime on July 1 or 2.  Those that are going have likely received an email from Nathan Nolte, who will try to coordinate getting some of those kids back to LVW in the most convenient way possible.  If you want more information about that possibility, you can email Nathan Nolte.  Thank you, Nathan, for making that effort!

New Volunteer Spots Open
The Volunteer sign up has been updated with needs for the rest of the summer.  There are plenty of spots open!  In fact, it was just updated on Friday morning, so you can pick your favorite spots before they get taken!

LVW Volunteer Sign Up Form

June 28 - July 5 - the LVW TOUR!

Here are some of the activities and other events that we have planned:

Performance at Cedar Community
On Saturday, June 28, LVW will be providing a performance for the residents at Cedar Community near West Bend.  Cedar Community is a retirement community offering everything from independent living to memory care.  Anita Cook, mother of LVW Color Guard member Helena Cook, is the Life Enrichment Specialist there.  She helped to coordinate our appearance at Cedar Community.  LVW will be playing their warm up music, drum cadences, and parade tunes for the performance.  In addition, the LVW members will be putting together some smaller ensemble groups.  A highlight of our performances at these kinds of communities is our opportunity to visit with the residents and the staff for a time.  The students enjoy that chance to "let their light shine" as we mingle and share a little about LVW, as well as listen to the stories and memories that the residents share with them.

A Special Note for Parents and other Friends of LVW - - This is not a public performance.  We want our members to give their entire focus to the residents of Cedar Community, rather than their families.  Some of you may have relatives at these homes, and if so, you are more than welcome to come and enjoy the performances!  One of the benefits of playing at retirement communities is that the kids will have that chance to mingle with the residents briefly following their performance.  Therefore, we kindly ask that you don't try to attend this performance (unless you have a relative there).  We thank you for your cooperation!

Cavalcade of Brass - Sunday, June 30
This DCI show will be one of the best in the Midwest this summer, even though it is very early in the drum corps season.  This show will feature 6 of last summer's top twelve finals corps, as well as perennial fan favorite (and two-time DCI Champion!) Madison Scouts.  Our good friends from the Sound of Sun Prairie will be competing in the DCI Soundsport class, as well as a few other corps and Soundsport groups.  

The DCI Finalist Corps from last summer who will be at this show include the LaCrosse Blue Stars, the Colts from Dubuque IA, the Phantom Regiment from Rockford IL, the Boston Crusaders, Carolina Crown from Fort Mill SC, and the host corps The Cavaliers from Rosemont IL.  It will be extra special for LVW to see the two corps from the Eastern US, as they don't always appear in the Midwest.  Even though the show is early in the season, LVW will be "blown away" by these powerhouse corps!

LVW is covering $15 of the $30 ticket price for our members.  Many of the kids have already paid, but if not, the money can be brought to KML when they arrive on June 28 (or 29, or 30!).  That can be done by cash or check (made out to "Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin" any time between now and June 30.  If paying by check, please indicate "DCI Tickets" on the memo line.

The LVW members may also want to consider bringing some extra spending money for the Drum Corps Souvies!  Each corps travels with a souvenir truck with a VERY large assortment of T-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, buttons, and all sorts of other "drum corps stuff".  Prices for shirts likely begin at about $20, so our LVW members should plan accordingly if they wish to purchase any items.  These souvenir trucks normally accept credit card payments.

If you would like more information for this show, go to Cavalcade of Brass.  If you would like to purchase tickets for this show, there are less than 900 tickets remaining (as of June 21).

Door County Fun
On Wednesday, July 3, the band will be heading to Door County!  We will first take the band to beautiful Peninsula State Park, where we hope to spend a little time relaxing in the park, but also will try to get the kids to Eagle Tower, and possibly spend a little time at Nicolet Beach.

After the park, we will be heading to a famous Door County Fish Boil!  The band has reservations at Pelletier's Restaurant and Fish Boil in Fish Creek.  We will be there in time to see the "Boil Over" before enjoying the food.  Many of our members will be eating the fish boil, while a few others will be going for the more conventional chicken dinner or cheeseburger dinner.

The band will then have a little bit of free time in Fish Creek perusing the boutiques and specialty shops before heading to our host for the next few days, St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in Sturgeon Bay.  Once again, use your discretion as to how much spending money to bring along for this day.

On Thursday, July 4, the band will celebrate America's Birthday by marching in two parades, in Bailey' Harbor and Egg Harbor (information below) before enjoying some more Door County fun.  Following the second parade, the band will have a bit of time to enjoy the renowned galleries and shopping in Egg Harbor.  

After a bit of time to take in the sights, the band will be returning to St. Peter's Lutheran in Sturgeon Bay.  Our day is not over!  After a bit of time to prepare for our next adventure, the band will be walking (about a mile or so - we're a band - who needs buses?!?!) to Sunset Park where the band will have some more free time to enjoy food and drinks, a local band, and finally a spectacular FIREWORKS show over the harbor.  LVW will be providing $10 for each band member for "supper money" at the park.  

Then on Friday, July 5, after cleaning up the housing facility at St. Peter's, the band will be ending the year at Bay Beach Amusement Park.  This park has been a favorite family destination for generations!  It features several kiddie rides, family rides, and thrill rides.  True to it's history, the rides have remained very inexpensive, with tickets only $0.25!  Most rides are between 2 - 4 tickets each, with some of the "thrill rides" requiring 6 tickets.  

The LVW members will be eating at their choice of the park's concession areas.  Because we are not providing this meai, LVW will again provide the members with $10 to spend.  As an added bonus, LVW has pre-ordered 800 tickets to distribute to the band members.  So each student will receive $10 for food, and between 7 and 8 tickets for rides.  The LVW members are certainly allowed to bring as many quarters as they want to purchase more tickets!

Performance Summary
Here is a summary of our performances for the coming week.  The links provided here and in the daily itinerary (in the separate post on this page) will take you directly to information provided by each parade committee or organization.  Some parades provide routes, times, and maps.  Some of these parades provide very little information for the general public!  The line up information for Lake Mills will be mailed to participants on June 26, so we won't have detailed information until just before the parade day.  

​There are also links to locations and other parade information on our Google Calendar on the Schedule tab.  Click on each event for more info!

Saturday, June 29 – Lake Mills Town and Country Days Parade (10:30 AM). The Parade Line Up is on East Lake Park Place.  The parade runs north on Main Street, through the downtown area, ending a few blocks north of Commons Park.
Sunday, June 30 –  Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade (1:00 PM).

• MAP of Kenosha Parade Route. 
• Kenosha Parade Line Up. - LVW is the first unit in Division 5 (out of 5 divisions)

The parade route will begin on Seventh Avenue at Washington Road, then head south through Sixth Avenue downtown and ends on the west side of Library Park. The parade will travel only in the southbound lane on Seventh Avenue, and people are welcome to sit on the boulevard once the parade route is closed to traffic at noon. The best areas for viewing the parade (according to the Kenosha organizers) are along Seventh Avenue and Sixth Avenue before the parade reaches Library Park and prepares for disbanding.
Thursday, July 4 – Bailey's Harbor 4th of July Parade (10:00 AM). The parade will proceed from south to north on Highway 57. The route from Summit Road to Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center is 1.7 miles.  Groups will line up on Summit Road.
Thursday, July 4 - Egg Harbor Independence Day Parade (1:30 PM) Parade route runs south along Hwy 42 from north end of Church Street to Hwy T.

Tour Housing and Emergency Contact Information:

Kettle Moraine Lutheran HS (Friday, June 28 - Tuesday, July 2)
3399 Division Rd,
Jackson, WI 53037

St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School
108 W. Maple St.
Sturgeon Bay, WI

Emergency contact information:
James Neujahr Mobile Phone - 920-740-3924
​James Neujahr Email - [email protected]

Mr. Timothy Klemp Mobile Phone - 920-948-4077
Mr. Timothy Klemp Email - [email protected]

Packing List

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you have your luggage, backpacks, sleeping bags, etc. LABELED WITH YOUR NAME and SCHOOL!  It is likely that, due to our packing situation on school buses and the coaches, your gear will not all be together.  There will also be times when some gear must go on certain buses, and even certain bays underneath a certain bus.  So labeling your gear will be required.  Please get luggage tags or use another system that works for you.  THANK YOU FOR COMPLYING WITH THIS SIMPLE REQUEST!

1    Sleeping bag and pillow
2.    Air mattress (optional) - Some of our members have HUGE air mattresses that are about the size of a medium suitcase when not inflated.  If you have other options for this trip, or a smaller air mattress, PLEASE CONSIDER OUR SPACE LIMITATIONS!
3.    ONE suitcase and ONE SMALL Carry-on bag (for motorcoach travel and change of clothes) - PLEASE NOTE – we will have limited space for the first few days as we travel on school buses.  If your sleeping bag/pillow fit into your suitcase, please pack it that way.
4.    All personal items as needed (towel, soap and shampoo, change of clothes, shower flip flops, DEODORANT, etc.)
5.    BLACK SHOES AND SOCKS, BLACK A-4 COMPRESSION SHIRTS, BLACK GLOVES, GUARD APPAREL, ETC. (we have FOUR parades on this trip!).  It would be wise to plan on hand-washing your uniform socks/A4 shirts a few times on this trip.  Packing a small bottle of Woolite or laundry detergent would be a good idea.
6.    LVW 2024 Season T-Shirt - we will wear this as our "uniform" for the Cedar Community performance
7.    Instruments, music, etc.
8.    Water jugs, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, comfortable marching shoes, hats, etc.
9.  Enough comfortable clothing for seven total days, which includes three full rehearsal days and several shorter rehearsals

LVW Medications Permissions Information and Form

On the medical form that you have filled out when registering for LVW (which contains medical conditions and allergy information), we realized that we don’t necessarily have permission to give over-the-counter medications to LVW members if they need it.  Some of our members regularly carry medications like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and the like.  However, many of our members don’t carry them as a rule.  Some of our members also carry epi pens and similar emergency or life-saving medications that are prescribed.  We also want to make sure that the LVW Medical Volunteer is aware of these medications.

PLEASE NOTE - about 30 of our LVW members still do not have this medications permission form filled out by a parent!  Please don't put us in the unfortunate position of not being able to give your child OTC medications because the form was not filled out.

Please read the LVW Medications Permissions Information.  
​
Once you have completed reading the information, please go to the Medications Permissions Form to give your permission for our LVW Medical Volunteer(s) to administer over-the-counter medications, and possibly prescription medications to your LVW member(s).  Please fill out one Medications Permissions Form for each LVW member.

Transportation to KML on Friday, June 28

Two buses will be traveling from FVL to KML on both Friday, June 28.  FVL, NLHS, WLA, and Homeschool students should use this form, as well as any other riders that may be taking the bus.

On Friday, June 28, students who are riding the bus should arrive at FVL at 7:30 AM to load luggage and instruments on the bus.  There will not be a truck, so all equipment will be loaded onto the bus.  The bus will leave promptly at 7:45.  The buses will stop at the Fond du Lac Kwik Trip (Hickory Street Exit) at approximately 8:45 AM, and will arrive at KML by about 9:30 AM.  The buses will then return empty, so don't leave anything on the bus!

At the end of the Tour, on July 5, the motorcoaches will stop at FVL, Fond du Lac Kwik Trip, and KML as drop off locations.  Check the information with the itinerary for June 28 - July 5 in a separate post on this page for approximate times of arrival.  MLHS will likely leave for home directly from Bay Beach.  All other schools should check with your transportation coordinator for travel plans from either FVL or KML.

Students, Staff, and Volunteers who will be riding the bus should fill out the form at the link below.

FVL Bus Plan - LVW Camp #4 for June 28

Worship Service
Once again, due to the unavailability of buses for either Saturday night or Sunday morning, LVW will be holding a worship service at KML on Saturday evening.  Pastor John Cook, from St. Peter and St. Paul in West Band, will be officiating that service.  He is the father of LVW Color Guard member Helena Cook.

Checkout Procedures for July 5
Most of the LVW members will be dropped off at either FVL or KML on July 5.  Other schools should check with your transportation coordinator.  Some parents have asked if they can check out their child(ren) on July 4 or July 5 due to continuing family vacations or other plans.  That is perfectly OK, as long as you are there in person to pick up your child.  It would also be advisable to let either Mr. Neujahr or Mr. Klemp know ahead of time.  

If you are going to be picked up at any time other than the planned drop off locations, the following procedures MUST be followed:

1.  Your parents must pick you up. For this trip, that may be on Thursday following the last parade in Egg Harbor, or possibly on July 5 at Bay Beach. It may be different depending upon your circumstance. 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 chaperon from your bus or with Mr. Klemp. This must be done with you (the LVW Member) 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. If you are bringing a signed note, DON’T FORGET THE NOTE AT HOME, because there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

Friday, June 28 - 2 School Buses from FVL to KML

• 7:30 AM Arrive at FVL to load luggage and instruments
• 7:45 AM Depart for Kettle Moraine LHS, 3399 Division Rd, Jackson, WI 53037
• 8:30 AM Stop at Kwik Trip, Hickory Street Exit in Fond du Lac to pick up two riders, then continue to KMLHS
• 9:30 AM Arrive KMLHS, unload.  
• 10:00 AM Announcements
• 10:15 AM Rehearsal Day Begins
• 12:00 PM Bag Lunch
• 12:45 PM Rehearsal
• 5:00 PM Supper
• 6:00 PM Rehearsal
• 9:00 PM Devotion, Snack, Showers
• 10:30 PM Lights out

Saturday, June 29 - 3 Large School Buses
Today the band is going to Lake Mills, WI to march in the Town and Country Days Parade.  We also have a performance at Cedar Community.  
https://legendarylakemills.com/town-country-days-parade/

• 6:30 AM Wake Up, Shower, Eat
• 7:15 AM Change into uniform
• 7:45 AM Buses Arrive at KMLHS, 3399 Division Road, Jackson, WI 53037
• 8:00 AM Depart for Lake Mills, WI
• 9:15 AM Arrive Lake Mills, WI.  Line Up for parade is on E Lake Park Place.  Spot TBD
• 10:30 AM Town and Country Days Parade Begins.  Parade runs north on Main Street.  LVW Line Up Spot TBD
• 12:00 PM Depart Lake Mills for KML
• 1:15 PM Change out of uniform, eat lunch - Uniform will be the Seasonal T-Shirt
• 2:30 PM Depart for Cedar Community, 5595 County Rd Z. West Bend, WI 53095.
• 2:45 PM Arrive Cedar Community for a performance.  
• 3:00 PM Cedar Community Performance and time to visit with residents
• 4:00 PM Load and depart for KMLHS.  Depart time may be sooner, depending on how much time we spend at the retirement community.
• 4:15 PM Arrive and unload at KMLHS.  Buses are done for the day.
• 5:00 PM Supper
• 6:00 PM Rehearsal
• 9:00 PM Devotion, Snack, Showers
• 10:30 PM Lights out

Sunday, June 30 - 3 Large School Buses
Today the band is marching the Civic Veterans Parade in Kenosha, WI.  After the parade we will attend a drum and bugle corps show in Lisle, Illinois.

• 7:00 AM Wake Up, Shower, Eat
• 8:00 AM Short Rehearsal TBD
• 9:45 AM Buses Arrive KMLHS to load
• 10:00 AM Depart for Kenosha.  Line up will be in the area of Pennoyer Park, 3601 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140.  Exact spot TBD.
• 11:30 AM Arrive Parade Line Up, unload.  Drivers go to parade disband area, near Simmons Neighborhood Library, 711 59th Pl, Kenosha, WI 53140.  
• 11:45 AM Lunch at warm up site
• 12:15 PM Pre-Parade Warm Up
• 1:00 PM Civic Veterans Parade Begins.  LVW Spot in parade TBD.  
• 3:00 PM (Time Approximate depending on our position in the parade) Parade Ends
• 3:00 PM Change out of uniform, likely at pick up spot, 
• 4:30 PM Depart for Lisle, Illinois Drum and Bugle Corps Show, The Sports Complex at Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532
• 4:30 PM Supper on the buses en route
• 6:15 PM Arrive Lisle, IL.  
• 7:00 PM Cavalcade of Brass Drum Corps show begins.  
• 10:30 PM Show ends.  Load buses
• 10:45 PM Depart for KMLHS
• 1:00 AM Arrive KMLHS, unload
• 1:45 AM Lights Out

Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2 
These two days are rehearsal days at KML.  Daily schedule TBD by the staff.  There are no performances these two days.  They will be the final two rehearsal days for LVW for the 2024 season.  The daily schedule will be very similar to previous rehearsal days held at FVL and at KML.
LVW will be staying overnight at KML on June 30, July 1, and July 2.  On the morning of July 3 they will depart for Door County. 

Wednesday, July 3 - 3 Personalized Tours Motorcoaches for the Remainder of the Tour!
LVW will be housed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School, 108 W Maple St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.  We will be staying there for three days while in Door County.

• 6:00 AM Wake Up, Shower, Eat, Clean Facility
• 7:30 AM Load Buses
• 8:00 AM Depart for Door County!
• 11:30 AM Arrive Fish Creek Public Parking Lot near Peninsula State Park Entrance
• 12:00 PM Eat Lunch
• 1:00 PM Peninsula State Park Activities TBD
• 3:00 PM Load buses and travel to Pelletier’s Restaurant in Fish Creek
• 3:30 PM Arrive Pelletier’s
• 4:00 PM Fish Boil Process Begins
• 5:00 PM LVW Reservation  - Fish Boil Meal!
• 6:00 PM LVW Member Free Time in Fish Creek 
• 7:00 PM Depart for St. Peter’s Lutheran School, 108 W Maple St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
• 7:45 PM Arrive St. Peter’s Lutheran School
• 8:00 PM Unload Buses, Move into Housing
• 10:30 PM Lights Out

Thursday, July 4 - Happy Birthday, America!
Today the band will be marching in two parades.  After a bit of free time following the Egg Harbor Parade, LVW will return to Sturgeon Bay for an evening of free time and fireworks at Sunset Park.

• 6:15 AM Wake Up, Shower, Eat
• 6:45 AM Change into Uniform
• 7:20 AM Load Truck and Buses
• 7:30 AM Depart for Bailey’s Harbor
• 8:15 AM Arrive at Bailey’s Harbor - Prepare for Parade
• 10:00 AM Bailey’s Harbor Parade Begins
• 11:00 AM Load and Leave ASAP from Bailey’s Harbor for Egg Harbor.
• 11:30 AM Depart for Egg Harbor.  Lunch on Buses.
• 12:30 PM Arrive Egg Harbor north end of Church Street for Parade Line Up
• 1:30 PM Egg Harbor Parade Begins
• 3:00 PM Free Time in Egg Harbor - Change on Buses after the parade
• 4:00 PM Depart for St. Peter’s, Sturgeon Bay
• 5:00 PM Arrive St. Peter’s.  Prepare for the evening
• 5:45 PM Walk to Sunset Park - a little over a mile
• 6:00 PM Free Time and Supper at Sunset Park.  Band will provide money for food.
• 9:00 PM Fireworks begin
• 10:30 PM Return to St. Peter’s
• 11:30 PM Lights Out

Friday, July 5 
Today is the final day for LVW 2024!  We will be leaving Door County and heading to Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay for one final free day.  The LVW Members will have plenty of time to have fun with their friends, have some time to relax before saying goodbye and heading home.  

• 7:30 AM Wake Up, Shower, Eat, Clean Facilities
• 9:30 AM Depart for Bay Beach
• 10:30 AM Arrive Bay Beach
• 12:00 PM Lunch will be at the Bay Beach Concessions. LVW will provide money for this meal.  We will also be purchasing tickets for the LVW Members.  They will each get about 7 tickets.  Rides are generally 2, 3, or 4 tickets each.  They may purchase extra tickets on their own.  Tickets are only $0.25!
• 3:00 PM Load Buses for home
• 3:45 PM Arrive FVL - unload students and luggage
• 4:15 PM Depart
• 5:00 PM Arrive Fond du Lac Kwik Trip - Hickory Street Exit - unload students and luggage
• 6:00 PM Arrive KML - Unload students and luggage, clean buses

FVL, Fond du Lac, and KML will be the three stops for the buses.  Students from other schools may be picked up at any of those locations.  You can choose what is most convenient for you.  MLHS students will likely leave directly from Bay Beach.

To God alone be the Glory!

Since it is difficult for friends and family to "get up close and personal" to LVW for pictures and videos, especially during a performance, LVW has decided to do a special performance so that you will be able to do so.

It will take place at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School on Sunday, June 23.

Schedule for the LVW Friends and Family Performance

• 12:00 - 1:30 PM - Cookout Meal for LVW Members, Friends, and Family
• 1:30 - 2:00 PM - LVW members change into uniform
• 2:00 - 3:00 PM - LVW Friends and Family Performance
• 3:00 - 4:00 PM - LVW Members change out of uniform, pack gear, clean facility
• 4:00 - 4:15 PM - Dismissal

Meal for All
LVW will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers for this meal.  Our plan is that the LVW members eat at the same time as our guests for the afternoon.  So they will be able to eat with their family, especially if grandparents or other family or friends are attending.  It will be a fairly informal meal.

To help cover the cost of meat, buns, and condiments, we are asking for a $5 donation per person for the meal.  LVW members will not need to pay this since it is included in their summer fees.

In the spirit of true "Lutheran Tradition", we are also making this into an optional Pot Luck.  So if you are so inclined (not required), you may bring a side dish or a dessert to share with the rest.  

So that we can plan for that meal, 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.  There is an additional question for you to indicate if you would be bringing a side dish or a dessert.  LVW has acquired a large amount of lettuce/greens salad (thanks to the recently held WELS Northern Wisconsin District Convention!), so please don't bring a salad.  We have that covered!

The Friends and Family Performance
Between 2:00 and 3:00, LVW will go through a shortened version of their "pre-parade" warm up routine.  For this, the winds, percussion, and color guard warm up separately.  This portion of the warm up is normally done in "half uniform".  After the warm up, the band will be getting into full uniform and then marching our own little parade around the KML track.  For this performance, you are welcome to come down to the track and get some "action photos and videos" from up close.  We simply ask that you do not go on the track, but stay off to the side (on the football field) to get your pictures and video.  After that, we may also set up in a "concert formation" and do a standstill performance of our music.

In case of inclement weather, the KML gymnasium is available.  We would modify our warm up and performance to work inside that space.

We hope to see you there.  Don't forget to bring your camera!

​Indicate your attendance on the form below.

This post has been updated with new information.  It is highlighted in BLUE.

Camp #2 is just getting underway.  The Lord has AGAIN blessed us with absolutely gorgeous weather.  The humidity from the past few days is gone, and the temperatures are very comfortable. The band will be spending much of this camp preparing their third song for this summer - "Sinfonia Voci".  We may or may not play it for the parade on Sunday in Chilton.  We will see how the next two days of camp progress before making that decision.

We are quite sure that you are going to LOVE Sinfonia Voci!  It is based on the hymn tune "Ellacombe", which many of us know better as the hymn "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna".  This selection was also the inspiration for our seasonal T-shirt this year,"We Sing the Mighty Power of God".

Christian Worship, the WELS Hymnal, contains the text that was used for "Sinfonia Voci".  Read the text of "We Sing the Almighty Power of God". Although our hymnal uses a different melody, the text is the same (CW 504). Here is some history on the composition, which is originally written for band with a choral accompaniment:

In the mid-afternoon of August 28, 1990, a massive tornado swept through the center of Plainfield, Illinois, a community some 30 miles southwest of Chicago. This massive storm scythed a five-mile-long path, causing millions of dollars in damages and the deaths of 29 residents of the city. Plainfield High School was one of the building areas totally destroyed.
In the fall of 1992, the Plainfield High School Band Boosters commissioned David Holsinger to write a commemorative work for the high school symphonic band and civic chorus made up of many of the church choirs of the community. In the spring of 1993, after many years of relocation in Joliet, Plainfield High School returned to its community, and in a dedication service, The Plainfield Band and Civic Chorus under the direction of Scott Casagrande premiered Sinfonia Voci.

In 1994, we asked for permission to have "Sinfonia Voci" arranged for LVW.  That year, Paul Lavender, who is a very well-known arranger for Hal Leonard, arranged it for us.  We premiered the marching version during the 1995 summer season.  We know you are going to LOVE this piece!

Medical Permissions Form - IMPORTANT
Parents, if you have not done so yet, please go to the Homepage and read the information concerning the Medical Permissions Form.  It is important that you read it AND fill out the accompanying form.  Thank you for your compliance!

DCI Show
Many of our students have already paid $15 for the DCI show we will be attending on June 30.  If you have not done so yet, please pay for them this coming week.  Students can bring their payment to the rehearsal camp.  There is no need to mail the payment.  If paying by check. please make it out to Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin, and indicate "DCI Show" on the memo line.

LVW members, staff, and volunteers will be using all of the 125 group tickets which we have purchased.  Some parents have been asking if there will be extra tickets.  Unfortunately, there will not be any extras.  So if you are interested in going to the show, you will need to purchase Your own tickets.  You can purchase tickets and find out more about the show at Cavalcade of Brass.  

Camp #3 Information
The next camp is a rehearsal and performance camp, with no parades, but we will be doing an LVW Friends and Family Performance on Sunday afternoon. More information for that performance will be given in a separate post. The camp and performance will be held at KML, with the band being housed there on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Camp will begin at KML on Friday morning, June 21, at 10:00 AM.  ​

The Camp will conclude on Sunday, June 23, at 4:00 PM. 

Transportation
Two buses will be traveling from FVL to KML on both Friday, June 21, and again from KML to FVL on Sunday, June 23.  FVL, NLHS, WLA, and Homeschool students should use this form, as well as any other riders that may be taking the bus.

On Friday, June 21, students who are riding the bus should arrive at FVL at 7:30 AM to load luggage and instruments on the bus.  There will not be a truck, so all equipment will be loaded onto the bus.  The bus will leave promptly at 8:00 or sooner if possible.  The buses will stop at the Fond du Lac Kwik Trip (Hickory Street Exit) at approximately 8:45 AM, and will arrive at KML by about 9:30 AM.  The buses will then return empty, so don't leave anything on the bus!

On Sunday, June 23, the buses will depart from KML at approximately 4:30 PM, with arrival at the Fond du Lac Kwik Trip at approximately 5:15 PM, and arrival at FVL at approximately 6:00 to 6:15 PM.

If you are riding the bus to KML on Friday, but not for the return trip on Sunday, please list that at the end of this form.  If you are riding with anyone other than your parent, you MUST provide a written note from your parents, or your parents can send an email to either Mr. Neujahr or Mr. Klemp.

Students, Staff, and Volunteers who will be riding the bus should fill out the form at the link below.

FVL Bus Plan - LVW Camp #3 for June 21 and June 23

No Parades Next Weekend
The packing list for Camp #3 will be similar to Camp #2, since we have the Friends and Family Performance on Sunday.  So the band members will need to bring their Black Shoes/Socks, spandex shorts, and A4 Compression Shirts.  

Camp #3 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 three days of camp, especially comfortable shoes!! 
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 
9.  Flip Flops for shower
10.  Air mattress or sleeping mat, air pump if needed
11. Sleeping bag, blankets, pillow
12. Towel, toiletries, medications
13.  Black shoes, socks, spandex shorts, A4 compression shirt

Students should pack a bag lunch for Friday.  All other meals will be provided by LVW.  The members will be staying overnight at KML.  

Worship Service
To eliminate the need to charter buses for either Saturday or Sunday, LVW will be holding a worship service at KML on Saturday evening.  Pastor John Cook, from St. Peter and St. Paul in West Band, will be officiating that service.  He is the father of LVW Color Guard member Helena Cook.

TRANSPORTATION HOME FOLLOWING CAMP #3
Since there is no parade this coming weekend, LVW will disperse from KML.  Check with your school's transportation coordinator for plans following the rehearsal on Sunday afternoon.  Two buses will travel back to FVL with a stop at the Fond du Lac Kwik Trip.

Checkout Procedures
If you are going to be picked up following the rehearsal, 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. For this weekend, that will be on Sunday, 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 one of the directors or with Mr. Klemp. 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. If you are bringing a signed note, DON’T FORGET THE NOTE AT HOME, because there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

The first week of our summer season was AWESOME!  Thanks to Michelle Klemp and our army of volunteer support staff for making sure the kids were fed; to Chuck and Gretchen Adrian, Scott and Dawn Krueger, Jen Schmidt, Rachel McCabe, and the rest of our uniform crew for helping them look awesome in uniforms; to those with the band on the parade routes; and to Tim Klemp, Tim Schmidt,  and Jim Pape, who prepared the truck, and made sure that we have everything in place for our first two performances. Also thanks to those volunteers for their work with preparing bins and supplies for the beginning of our season! Without our support staff, our members would not be able to accomplish the things they do.  

Thanks also to our director staff for their attention to detail and providing our kids with excellent instruction!  In just a few short days, they steadily brought the band from a collection of inexperienced students from many schools to the entertaining group we know as Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin!  The transformation is truly remarkable, and will continue throughout the season in a forward direction.

Last, but certainly not least, thanks go to the members of LVW!  The members have taken on this responsibility of carrying on the LVW traditions with an enthusiasm and a desire to be the absolute best that we can be.  And that will be AWESOME by the end of the summer!  We always knew that LVW was a "Crowd Favorite" on the parade route, and this year we hope to be even more so.

LVW Volunteer Needs
Please check the Volunteer Sign Up form.  We still have many open spots for the summer, including some spots for Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. 

LVW Medications Permissions Information and Form
On the medical form that you have filled out (which contains medical conditions and allergy information), we realized that we don’t necessarily have permission to give over-the-counter medications to LVW members if they need it.  Some of our members regularly carry medications like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and the like.  However, many of our members don’t carry them as a rule.  Some of our members also carry epi pens and similar emergency or life-saving medications that are prescribed.  We also want to make sure that the LVW Medical Volunteer is aware of these medications.

Please read the LVW Medications Permissions Information.  
​
Once you have completed reading the information, please go to the Medications Permissions Form to give your permission for our LVW Medical Volunteer(s) to administer over-the-counter medications, and possibly prescription medications to your LVW member(s).  Please fill out one Medications Permissions Form for each LVW member.

DCI Show - Sunday, June 30
LVW will be attending a Drum Corps International (DCI) show in Lisle, Illinois on Sunday, June 30 following the Kenosha parade.  This event was added this week after we discussed the opportunity among staff and directors.  We have also informed all of the LVW members about this show.  The tickets cost $30 per person.  However, since we want all members to go to the show, LVW will cover $15 of each member's ticket.  So we are asking our LVW members to pay the other $15.  That can be done by cash or check (made out to "Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin" any time between now and June 30.  If paying by check, please indicate "DCI Tickets" on the memo line.

More information about the show can be found at DCI Events - Lisle Illinois Cavalcade of Brass

LVW Member Excused Absence Form
As with any summer activity, families may plan on special trips or vacations that may cause members to miss rehearsal days or performances, or even a portion of a day.  We understand, but it is good to know ahead of time so that we can plan for their absence.  If your LVW Member will be missing for any of our scheduled days, or part of a day, please fill out the LVW Rehearsal/Performance Excused Absence Form.  This form will always be on the website's homepage for the rest of the season.

WELS Youth Rally
You can use the excuse form above if your child(ren) will be attending the WELS Youth Rally and will be missing some LVW rehearsal days or parades.  The students have already filled out a form with some very detailed information, but it would be good for parents to discuss with their child what they indicated as excused days from LVW.  You can then list those days on the Excused Absence Form so that we have all of that information in one place.  As of this writing, 22 students have indicated that they are attending the Youth Rally!  We pray that they have a wonderful time with their fellow WELS Youth!

PLEASE NOTE - LVW will be housed at KML on June 28 - July 2, and NOT at Shoreland LHS as previously given.  Those changes have been made to the online calendar.

Camp #2 Information
Rehearsal will begin on Friday, June 14 at 10:00 AM, and will take place at Fox Valley Lutheran HS.  Times for Saturday and Sunday are listed below.  The short weekend will conclude following the Chilton Father's Day Parade on Sunday afternoon.

Transportation to FVL on Friday, June 14
Students from WLHS, KML, LPS, and WLA will be riding a bus which will begin at KML.  Mrs. Hohenstein will again coordinate that bus and it's riders.  The link below will take you to the sign up sheet for the KML bus riders

KML Bus Plan

Arrive at KML at 7:30 am for a 7:45 am departure (Rehearsal begins at 10AM)
Stop at Fond du Lac Kwik Trip AROUND 8:30 am to pick up people.

Students from WLHS, KML, LPS, and WLA - There will not be a return KML bus trip on Sunday following the Chilton Father's Day Parade. Parents should make arrangements to pick up their children/arrange carpools back home after the Parade and cleanup, which will be at St. Martin Lutheran Church.  Information for location and pick up is below.

Students from Illinois Lutheran High School will be riding the ILHS bus on Friday and Sunday.  Mr. Witte and Mr. Paul will be coordinating your transportation.  To be sure, please always check with one of those two teachers for transportation plans.

Students should pack a bag lunch for Friday.  All other meals will be provided by LVW.  The members will again stay overnight at FVL.  Students should remember to pack everything needed for three days of camp.  The packing list for this past week will be a good reference for this week as well, with the main differences being we have only three days together, and one parade instead of two.

Worship Service
LVW will be attending worship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church on Saturday night.  The dress for this service is casual.  It is a communion service, and Mount Olive will welcome our WELS/ELS members to participate.  

Don't forget to bring the following as well:

• Sunscreen
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Large water jug

Students should make sure to take care of themselves before returning to camp.  They were instructed to drink plenty of water so they can be fully hydrated.  We had relatively nice weather this first week, and next week looks like it will be a bit warmer.  Students should also remember especially to bring sunscreen (at least SPF 30), sunglasses, and hats as we will be spending the majority of our time outside.

LVW's next parade is Sunday, JUNE 16
The Chilton Father's Day Parade is Sunday!  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!

NEW DISMISSAL PROCEDURE THIS YEAR
When parents are picking up their children at the end of a weekend or following a parade, there are many tasks that must be taken care of before students may leave.  These include work crews (cleaning, truck loading, kitchen help, and so on), as well as closing announcements for the entire band.  Therefore, students will not be dismissed until the "all clear" is given.  That will typically be after the band sings the Doxology.  

So, parents (or car pool drivers), please be aware that your child may not be able to visit with you at our dismissal site before these things are done.  We kindly ask that parents and other groupies allow for these things to happen, and try to not "get in the way" of LVW business that has to happen following our last event of a weekend or performance.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Hello everyone! Welcome to our food donations signup for Lutheran Vanguard.
​
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.