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Friends and Family Day - Weather Update

6/19/2025

We are truly excited for our upcoming weekend! We will be learning the visuals and finishing the music for our third performance piece, "Fantasia in G". We spent time on the music last week, but focused primarily on the visual and music for the two songs we played for the first three parades.

The LVW Staff has been discussing the possibility of modifying our Friends and Family Day performance on Sunday. With the Heat Index reaching 95 - 100 degrees, we may not be able to carry out the warm up and performance as outlined earlier. We WILL still go on with the meal and the performance, but will likely be modified to keep our members and guests (especially grandparents!) safe.

If necessary, our performance may take place in either the FVL Gymnasium or the Timothy Trout Sports Center. Both spaces are air conditioned and large enough for our music and visual performances. We will need to decide on Sunday if we do a march around the track or any other performance outside.

If necessary, we MAY do our performance in the Seasonal T-Shirt. Therefore, all LVW Members should pack their Seasonal T-Shirt for this weekend. We ask that members also bring a "nice" pair of shorts to wear with the T-shirt. Caps and sunglasses may also be worn for the performance if we are outside.

The stretch of hot weather lasting from Saturday through Monday is the hottest stretch of its kind since 2012! None of us are used to this kind of weather, and we certainly don't want to put anyone's health and safety at risk. There are no other activities at FVL this weekend that will prohibit our use of the FVL gymnasiums and the Timothy Trout Center. So we can use those spaces for visual rehearsals when necessary.

As always - LVW Members should make sure they are well-hydrated before tomorrow!

Thank you for your understanding! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Camp #2 Information

6/17/2025

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, 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 three parades.

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 this coming weekend.

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.

Camp #2 Information
Rehearsal will begin on Friday, June 20 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 LVW Friends and Family Day on Sunday afternoon.

Camp Schedule
Friday, June 20 - Rehearsal from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 21 - Rehearsal from 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, June 22 - Rehearsal from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Sunday, June 22 - LVW Friends and Family Day Meal and Performance - beginning at 12:00 Noon.

Transportation to FVL on Friday, June 14
Students from WLHS, SLHS, LPS, KML, Homeschool Students, and WLA who wish to ride the KML Buses should follow these directions. These two buses 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 7:45 AM for a 8:00 AM departure (Rehearsal begins at 10AM)
Stop at Fond du Lac Kwik Trip AROUND 8:45 AM to pick up people.

Please Note - There will not be a return KML bus trip on Sunday following the LVW Friends and Family Day. Most parents will be at the performance that afternoon. Please make arrangements for a ride home if your parents will not be able to attend.

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 performance in uniform instead of three parades.

Worship Service
LVW will be attending worship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church on Saturday night. The dress for this service is casual.

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 quite a bit warmer and higher humidity. 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.

End of Weekend Dismissal Procedures
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!

LVW Family and Friends - Parade Etiquette

6/17/2025

The LVW 2025 summer season is off to a great start! The first few days of Band Camp saw tremendous growth, and the band marched successfully under the Lord's guidance in our first three parades of the summer.

As we complete the 2025 season, we want to share with all of you some things to consider when attending a parade to watch LVW perform.

We absolutely LOVE the friends and family of LVW and how much you support the band! We want you to have the most enjoyable experience possible!
Before the Parade Begins
- If you are in the area where LVW is warming up, you may not be able to visit with your son or daughter
- You may enjoy the sights and sounds, but please give us some space
- This is not a good time to try to get individual pictures with your LVW Member. Take some photos and videos of the process if you wish!
While the Parade is in Progress
- It may not be possible for you to “follow along” with the band
  - There will likely be other spectators along the route enjoying the parade
  - There may not be sidewalk space on which to walk
  - Please do not walk in the street to follow LVW. That space is reserved for staff, directors, and official LVW Volunteers for that parade
- ALWAYS be respectful of other parade-goers
  - Do not walk in front of spectators that have positioned themselves in a spot from which to watch the parade. They have often had that spot reserved for hours, or in the case of some parades, a day or two!
  - If there is room, you should try to walk behind spectators
  - If you want to get a video or pictures of the band as they pass by, find a location that has fewer spectators and there is easy access to the street without hindering others’ viewing experience
- It is best to find a place from which to watch the parade and stay in that area
  - It’s more fun if you can find other LVW family and friends with which to enjoy the parade!
  - Wear your LVW Gear and Bling so other LVW fiends can find you!
  - Cheer as loud as you can for LVW, but also for all of the other bands. They work as hard as we do, and they also appreciate the love!
After the Parade is Over
- The LVW Members have lots to do before they get back on the bus
  - Staff and Volunteers need to check on the well-being of the LVW members. Some may need assistance.
  - All of the LVW members need to gather for post-parade announcements
  - All LVW members have specific tasks to take care of
    - Casing instruments and other equipment
    - Prepping the truck for loading/getting equipment to where it needs to be in a short amount of time
    - Taking care of their uniform pieces - sometimes they need to be loaded into specific boxes or bins
  - Friends and family members, all of the above tasks must be done BEFORE they are free to mingle with you.
  - Don’t be offended if your favorite LVW Member doesn’t immediately try to find you when a parade is done. There is work to do.
  - You may be able to get some pictures, but don’t assume that your LVW Member can do that when it is most convenient for you.
  - There will be time to mingle, but maybe not much time. We often have a schedule to keep, and sometimes we have another performance or event that we need to get to on time.

So again, we truly appreciate all of the support that we ALWAYS receive from our army of “Groupies”, and we hope that you all continue to show up in such large numbers and cheer us on. We needed to send out this reminder for long-time groupies. You may already know the “drill”. But we have a HUGE number of brand-new LVW members, and therefore new LVW parents and relatives for whom this is a new experience. We also have to be careful so as to not offend others who are simply there to enjoy a parade (especially when so many of our supporters are wearing LVW clothing!)

Thanks for understanding, and we hope to see you at our parades this summer! Let Your Light Shine!

LVW Friends and Family Day

6/16/2025

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 will be presenting a special performance so that you will be able to do so.

It will take place at Fox Valley Lutheran High School on Sunday, June 22.

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.

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 FVL 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 FVL gymnasium and Trout Sports Center is available. We would modify our warm up and performance to work inside those spaces.

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

Indicate your attendance on the form below.

LVW Friends and Family Day Registration

LVW Friends and Family Day

6/12/2025

Friends and Family Day was so well received last year that we're doing it again!

Join us June 22 at the FVL campus. This is a great opportunity to experience the entirety of our season's music and marching, get close-up action pictures, and enjoy fellowship with a meal together.

So that we can plan for that noon picnic, 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, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, condiments. Friends and family are encouraged to sign up (on an additional form to be sent out in the near future) and bring a side or dessert We are also asking for a $5 donation per person (cash or check only, please) to help cover the cost of the meal. LVW members do not have to pay.

Friends and Family Day

DCI Participant Waiver - MUST Complete by May 30

5/23/2025

PLEASE NOTE - ALL LVW MEMBERS and STAFF MEMBERS who will be going to the Cedarburg show MUST FILL OUT THIS FORM. This does not include volunteers and/or family members who have purchased tickets for the show. This is only performing members and the director staff.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE - this must be submitted by May 30. Many of our parents have already submitted the information for their LVW Member. If so - THANK YOU!

Filling out this form is a requirement, so please take care of this ASAP. For LVW Members who are younger than 18, a parent must also be present when filling out the form. LVW Members who ARE 18 as of MAY 30 can fill out the form on their own.

For minors, parents will be asked to enter the student's name, email, and date of birth, in addition to your name, address, email, phone number, and signature.

For LVW Members who may turn 18 in the near future - this form should be filled out for their age AS OF MAY 30.

Members or staff who do not fill out this form will risk NOT being credentialed and therefore NOT allowed entry into the show in the seats provided for staff and members.

After completing the form, the participant email (LVW Member or Staff Member) provided will receive a confirmation email.

If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you!

INFORMATION FROM DCI

NEW THIS YEAR:
We are using a Formstack form to collect individual waivers for each performer and staff member. This form will also serve as your official roster for credentialing.

Each individual must complete the form by Thursday, May 30.

Everyone attending the event with your ensemble (performer, staff, volunteer) must complete this form by the deadline. This replaces any paper/scanned waivers from the past and we will use the submissions from this form to use as your ensemble's roster for credentialing purposes. Anyone who does not complete the form by May 30 is at risk to not receive a credential and possibly could not be permitted entry to the event. I will keep you updated on how many submissions you have and the names on your roster the week prior to May 30 so you can check in with your group.

Participants who are minors will have to have a parent/guardian contact information collected and a matching signature on their submission.

Individual Participation Waiver Link

VIBES Earplugs - Sale #2 Open until Midnight on June 16

5/22/2025

Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs (seen on TV's Shark Tank) are discreet, reusable earplugs designed for musicians - instead of blocking and muffling sound like traditional foam earplugs, Vibes reduce the volume of loud live music to a safer and more comfortable level that prevents permanent hearing damage, while still allowing you to hear yourself and the rest of the ensemble play clearly.
Each pair of Vibes also includes:

Three sizes of interchangeable eartips to ensure a proper fit for any sized ear
Attachable cord that allow the earplugs to be hung around the neck and prevents them from getting lost
Pocket-sized carrying case

Vibes are trusted by over 300 of the country's top high school and college band programs (including schools like U of Alabama, U of Texas, Indiana U, and UW-Eau Claire), professional orchestras, military bands, independent WGI ensembles, and DCI drum corps.
Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin members (and their families) and staff are eligible to purchase Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs at the price of $17.00/pair, discounted from the standard price of $28.95/pair. All orders must be placed by end of day on Monday, June 16. Staff will distribute the earplugs to the those who place orders.

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

LVW 2025 Camp #1 and First Parades Information

5/13/2025

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

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

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

Check Back to this Site OFTEN!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KML Bus Plan - Transportation Intentions

Housing during Camp #1 and Camp #2
All LVW Members will be staying overnight at FVL during the first two camps of the season.

LVW Staff and Members should bring a bag Supper for Tuesday, June 10.
Please bring something healthy, such as a sandwich, fresh fruit/vegetables in addition to chips/dessert items. LVW will provide beverages for the meal. All other meals along with all beverages will be provided during camp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Official Flag Day Parade Participant Listing - LVW is #74
Flag Day Parade Staging Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help needed with uniforms during camp

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

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

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

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

3/21/2025

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

Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs (seen on TV's Shark Tank) are discreet, reusable earplugs designed for musicians - instead of blocking and muffling sound like traditional foam earplugs, Vibes reduce the volume of loud live music to a safer and more comfortable level that prevents permanent hearing damage, while still allowing you to hear yourself and the rest of the ensemble play clearly.
Each pair of Vibes also includes:

Three sizes of interchangeable eartips to ensure a proper fit for any sized ear
Attachable cord that allow the earplugs to be hung around the neck and prevents them from getting lost
Pocket-sized carrying case

Vibes are trusted by over 200 of the country's top high school and college band programs (including schools like U of Alabama, U of Texas, Indiana U, and UW-Eau Claire), professional orchestras, military bands, independent WGI ensembles, and DCI drum corps.

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

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

Uniform Help Requested for March 30

3/19/2025

We are looking for volunteers to help press the creases back into the LVW bibs. This will be done on Sunday, March 30th, at the same time as the Rehearsal Camp at FVL (1:00 to 5:00pm). Volunteers should come to the uniform room (across from the band room) or fine arts classroom (1029, the room with the mirrors) and look for Rachel McCabe.

We will have a couple irons and ironing boards available, but it would be helpful if a few volunteers brought an iron and/or board. Distilled water and other supplies will be on hand. Not everyone will be pressing bibs all the time; we also need volunteers to rehang the bibs that have been pressed. Many hands will make light work.

So if you were wondering what you were going to do in the Appleton area while your son or daughter is rehearsing, or if you just want to meet other LVW parents and make new friends, consider helping make the band look sharp by volunteering for the pressing party. If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Adrian ([email protected]).