The LVW 2021 summer season gets underway in a little more than two weeks!  We are extremely excited about the beginning of the first summer Camp and all that it brings - complete staff and membership together for the first time, lots of great focused rehearsal time, marked improvement every day, lasting friendships beginning to form, and the bonding of the LVW family into a Christian family that is so much larger than a marching band!  LVW will once again 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!

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.

If you are Facebook, and would like to join our group page, ask to join LVW 2021.  

Volunteering for LVW - A Great Opportunity to Let Your Light Shine!
We are again be using "SignUp.com" to indicate when, where, and how you would like to assist.  For more information about Volunteering, go to our VOLUNTEER INFO.  MANY spots are still open!  We are especially in need of helpers for the kitchen during Camp #1 week, and lots of other tasks throughout the summer.

Updated June and July Calendar
A Google Calendar for LVW 2021 events has been posted to our "Schedule" page.  You can click on individual events for more detailed information, including times, locations, and maps!

PLEASE NOTE - the Menomonee Falls parade that was scheduled for the evening of July 3 has been canceled.  We were told that it is not related to COVID concerns, but rather a lack of interest participating units.  We are looking to add a parade on the morning of July 4 in West Bend, which would begin at 9:30 AM.  We will announce when/if that parade is confirmed.

Important Band Camp Information:
Dates: Wednesday, June 9  – Saturday, June 12 
Beginning time: 10:00 AM on Wednesday (arrive by 9:30) 
Place: All camp activities will take place at FVL in Appleton, with a parade in  Appleton (Saturday).

Camp Transportation
We will be running a bus from KML to Appleton, with planned stops along HWY 41 (possibly the Allenton Park and Ride) and in Fond du Lac at the Hickory Street Kwik Trip.  More details will follow as soon as plans are finalized.  This bus is provided for WLHS, KML, LPS, and WLA students and staff.

Housing during Camp #1
All LVW Members will be staying overnight at FVL during the first two camps of the season.  We felt that, as we get closer to the COVID restrictions ending, it would be safest for students to stay at FVL rather than sending them to host homes.  Be assured that we will make sure that students are safely distanced while sleeping!
 
LVW Staff and Members should bring a bag Lunch for Wednesday, June 9.
All other meals along with all beverages will be provided during camp. Please bring something healthy, such as a sandwich, fresh fruit/vegetables in addition to chips/dessert items. LVW will provide beverages for the meal.

The best liquids to drink at rehearsals are products such as Gatorade, PowerAde, lemonade and other fruit juices, or plain cold water. Please do not bring POP (soda) to drink on rehearsal days for your lunch.

Forms and payments:
The Code of Conduct form and all payments must be turned in by the start of band camp. The Conduct form is available on the bands’ website on the "Join" page. If you are not sure of your balance for fees please check with Tammy Fick in the FVL Business Office at tfick@fvlhs.org


Camp schedule:
Wednesday,June 9 - 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM
Thursday,June 10 - 8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
Friday,June 11 - 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 9 - 8:30  - 11:00 AM
Appleton Flag Day Parade 2:00 PM - LVW is near the end of the line up out of approximately 105 units in the parade.  

LVW members will be dismissed from FVL following the parade.  We will be changing out of uniform and making sure the school is clean and in order before departure.  The expected time of departure will be approximately 5:00 - 5:30 PM on Saturday, June 12.

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

First Performance of the Year: 
Our first performance of the 2021 season is Saturday, June 12, in the 70th 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. There will be a reviewing stand where many, MANY LVW parents and fans like to congregate. The stand is in the block just before the end of the parade at 321 E College Avenue. Much more information can be found at APPLETON FLAG DAY PARADE.  The website MAY be updated with a map of the parade route.  A complete Parade Line Up may also be available in the near future by clicking the link.

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

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

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

We will be staying at FVL on Wednesday through Friday night.  All members should bring a sleeping bag/pillow/air mattress and personal items (deodorant/towel/soap/shampoo/etc). 

Packing List
1. Instrument and/or other necessary equipment
2. All music and warm-ups—memorized as much as possible!
3. Enough comfortable clothing for four days of camp, especially comfortable shoes!! (Note that no sandals of any kind will be allowed for any marching or music rehearsals) Bring clothes for very warm or cool weather.
4. Sunscreen or sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) – and be sure to use it! A WIDE-BRIMMED hat/baseball cap is also a MUST. We will be outside for much of camp.
5. A one gallon (or other large size) water jug LABLED WITH YOUR NAME
6. Reeds, valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, etc.
7.  Sunglasses are a definite bonus!
8. Tennis shoes for use indoors—the shoes used outside may not be allowed on the gym floors if they are too dirty.
9. Frisbees, cards, cribbage boards, chess sets, etc. for any free time that you may have (NOTE: Frisbees and balls or any other throwing device will not be used at any time inside any building – this rule applies to the entire summer.)
10. Your black marching shoes (some members will be receiving these at Band Camp)
11. BLACK SOCKS for all members, including guard
12. Black Spandex or Bike shorts for under your uniform
13. SPECIAL NOTE – because our new uniforms will need a different undershirt, LVW will be placing an order, and you will receive them at camp.  They will become your personal property, and are paid for with your registration.  For returning members, you will not need your "A4" shirts that we used to wear under the uniform.  
15. Anything else that you will need for your marching instrument, equipment, uniform, and performance
16. LOTS OF ENTHUSIASM AND A STRONG DESIRE TO LEARN!!

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

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

All wind and percussion players are to bring along black shoes, black socks, and black shorts as outlined above. Everyone will be given a pair of PERFORMANCE gloves, which will be worn with the uniform. The first pair will be free. For all extra gloves that you may need for the summer, the cost will be $3.00 per pair. Be sure to have your money with you. It is a good idea to purchase an extra pair, just in case. Also, for extended weekend trips with several performances, the second pair will come in very handy. If anyone loses their gloves, a new pair must be purchased. Take care of this very visible part of your uniform!

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

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

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

Help needed with uniforms during camp – ESPECIALLY WEDNESDAY!:
We are looking for a few parents to help with uniform tasks during the week of camp. No real skill is necessary for fitting uniforms – only a willingness to help LVW members look their best!  We will begin fitting members already on Wednesday, so any and all help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Hello Lutheran Vanguard Family: parents, friends, relatives, and alumni!

We are so excited to be able to launch another LVW season, full of parades and fun and learning and friendships...and letting our light shine! We will again be participating in some incredible parades this year, and we hope that you can come out to support and enjoy the band this summer.

Just like these incredible kids who put in so much work for the glory of their Savior, you also have an opportunity to let your light shine by volunteering to help make our season a success. It’s easy to sign up, and I promise that it will be a wonderfully rewarding experience for you and will be so greatly appreciated by the kids.

Here are just a couple things to keep in mind when you volunteer:

1. Check back regularly to the LVW website for any minor changes or updates that get posted...we’ll do our best to get the volunteer information right the first time, but it’s a big undertaking and sometimes things need to change last minute.

2. It’s ok to sign up for more than one job on the same day! A good example would be volunteering to help with uniforms on parade day and also helping water the kids during the parade! You could also drive the truck and be an overnight chaperone, or help in the kitchen for both a lunch and a dinner shift. Just make sure to sign up for each slot individually. (By the way, volunteering is more fun if you bring a friend along to help!)

3. We can be flexible with the start and end times for many of the volunteer opportunities. Just let us know what works in your schedule and we’ll make it work on our end!

4. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything, please don’t hesitate to text me at (920) 734-5251 or email me at ackubek@gmail.com

There are so many ways that you can help—whether it’s with your time, talent, or treasure—and we thank and appreciate every one of you for everything that you do to make it possible for us to let our lights shine for another year!

Go to our VOLUNTEER page for the sign up form and a more detailed listing of the volunteer opportunities for this summer.

God bless.

Tony Kubek
LVW Head Chaperone

LVW will be able to refund all of your fees paid for the 2020 season.  This will include tuition fees, as well as money paid for T-shirts, shoes, Color Guard garments, and Compression Shirts.

The FVL Business Office can refund the money simply by crediting the card you used to make the payments.

Some families have inquired if it is possible to keep the money in your LVW account for future years.  This is possible.  If you would NOT like to have your fees refunded, please contact Tammy Fick at tfick@fvlhs.org.  If no contact is made by April 30 the money will be refunded.

To give families this option, we will not refund the money until early May.  At that time we will do a "blanket refund" for all LVW members.

Hello LVW members, parents, alumni, and friends,

Due to the ongoing pandemic, it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to suspend our 2020 season.

The LVW Staff and Board of Directors had hoped for a different outcome, and we had held off on a decision until things became a bit clearer.  We thank those of you have inquired recently about our intentions for this season. 

Recent events, however, have led us to our decision.  On Thursday, April 16, the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City made the difficult decision to postpone until 2021.  That, along with several of our other parades for the summer who have also canceled have left us with a 2020 summer with few or no parades.

While some parades may still take place (we have not heard anything official from our July 4 parades yet), we felt it was time to make a decision so that families can plan for June and July.  With the current “Safer at Home” status at least through the end of May, we still could not with any certainty say when we could gather again for rehearsals.  We pray that Memorial Day weekend will be the end of this current status, but we can’t be sure.

In our video conference meeting on Friday night, the LVW staff and Board of Directors left a few items for further discussion.  Among them are beginning to plan for 2021, eligibility for future years, as well as a possible “Social Gathering” for our current 2020 LVW, parents, and alumni.  We definitely want to make 2021 our new “Comeback Season”! 

We may try to plan for some sort of social gathering of LVW families.  This will depend on if and when the meeting restrictions come to an end.  Keep an eye open for further announcements.

LVW families can be given a 100% refund for any fees paid in for the 2020 season.  Please visit our website for further information.
 

It is hard to believe that one week ago we were living life "nearly normal" with COVID19 occupying most of the news stories.  Sports were cancelled or seasons postponed utill further notice.  We had just begun to let that sink in when Friday of last week hit us - gatherings were limited to 150, then 50, then 10 or less.  Schools were to hold virtual school until April 6, and now they are on indefinite hold until further notice.  Restaurants are closed except for take out orders.  And now our churches are all closed to church members and we receive God's Word through live streamed services.  I don't need to go on, as you all are aware of how this has affected us.  I'm reminded of these words:    Isaiah 55:8-9 New International Version (NIV)  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth,  so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

The LVW directors and staff have been in email  contact.  We are "meeting" virtually like everyone else.  Many of us were together at the WELS Band Festival at KML last weekend.  In light of the rapidly changing landscape due to COVID19 here is what we know today (Thursday, March 19):

1.  The April 5 rehearsal will be cancelled.  At this time, we cannot suggest a date for a make-up rehearsal date. First, we don't know when schools will be opened again.  We don't know when the ban on gatherings larger than 10 will be lifted.

2.  The directors have explored the possibility of offering some kind of "virtual rehearsal".  This may take place, but not in the coming weeks.  With all of our students having virtual school responsibilities, we don't want to add to that with LVW tasks.  All of our members can certainly practice their music they already have to prepare for the upcoming summer.

3.  Just today I received word that the Brillion Electric Parade scheduled for Friday, June 12, has been canceled.  This may be the first of many, or it may be the only one.  Again, we don't know at this time.

We are hoping that events scheduled for later in June and early July can go on as planned!  We are not calling off our season!  We, like everyone else, will need to see how this plays out.  More importantly, we put our trust in God to keep us safe, until that time when we can all be together again to "Let Our Light Shine"!

Hello Lutheran Vanguard Family: parents, friends, relatives, and alumni!

We are so excited to be able to launch another LVW season, full of parades and fun and learning and friendships...and letting our light shine! We will again be participating in some incredible parades this year, and we hope that you can come out to support and enjoy the band this summer.

Just like these incredible kids who put in so much work for the glory of their Savior, you also have an opportunity to let your light shine by volunteering to help make our season a success. It’s easy to sign up, and I promise that it will be a wonderfully rewarding experience for you and will be so greatly appreciated by the kids.

Here are just a couple things to keep in mind when you volunteer:

1. Check back regularly to the LVW website for any minor changes or updates that get posted...we’ll do our best to get the volunteer information right the first time, but it’s a big undertaking and sometimes things need to change last minute.

2. It’s ok to sign up for more than one job on the same day! A good example would be volunteering to help with uniforms on parade day and also helping water the kids during the parade! You could also drive the truck and be an overnight chaperone, or help in the kitchen for both a lunch and a dinner shift. Just make sure to sign up for each slot individually. (By the way, volunteering is more fun if you bring a friend along to help!)

3. We can be flexible with the start and end times for many of the volunteer opportunities. Just let us know what works in your schedule and we’ll make it work on our end!

4. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything, please don’t hesitate to text me at (920) 734-5251 or email me at ackubek@gmail.com

There are so many ways that you can help—whether it’s with your time, talent, or treasure—and we thank and appreciate every one of you for everything that you do to make it possible for us to let our lights shine for another year!

God bless.

Tony Kubek
LVW Head Chaperone

​

We're using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/JuXyhxh
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Sign up for 2020 Vanguard Season ( https://signup.com/go/JuXyhxh ) on @SignUpdotcom today!
​

Sunday's rehearsal will be held at FVL.   Rehearsal will begin at 1:00.  Please plan on arriving at least 15 to 20 minutes early.  We will conclude all of our activities by 5:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. Please check with your school’s director/LVW coordinator for travel plans to and from the rehearsal.

Please use this link to RSVP for Sunday's rehearsal.

We will be fitting LVW members with our new uniforms this Sunday!  Therefore it is very important that all members attend.  After fitting everyone this week, we will have to determine if more uniforms need to be ordered.  If so, it takes a few months for the manufacturer to produce the uniforms.  We want to make sure we have enough of the right sizes for our first performances in June.

Because we are fitting for new uniforms, we will also need several parents to help with the fittings.  Please consider volunteering for this weekend.  Your help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Many of our students have not yet registered for LVW 2020.  Remember that we want ALL LVW MEMBERS to be registered prior to this Sunday's rehearsal.  The Registration Information can be found on our "Join" page.  Once you have registered, you can begin making payments on your account, and will also be included in important email correspondence.

There will be no LVW meal provided on Sunday, so you may want to pack a brown bag supper for the return trip home. 

Please wear comfortable shorts or sweats for rehearsal. We may have the opportunity for marching/visual rehearsals depending on gym useage at FVL. You will also need a pair of tennis shoes for use on the gym floor.  You may want to bring a water bottle or water jug.

If this is your first rehearsal for 2020, you will be given your music on Sunday.  Please bring your own instrument.  Brass players, remember to bring your own mouthpiece if you are using an LVW brass instrument (Mellophone, Baritone, Tuba).

Check back to this page occasionally. There may be more updates before the rehearsal.

SLHS Bus travel times for LVW Rehearsal Sunday, February 2:

Sunday, February 2

• 9:45 am Depart SLHS
• 10:15 am Arrive at WISCO (84th St entrance), pick up WISCO students
• 10:55 am Arrive at Allenton Park & Ride, pick up KML students
• 11:45 am Arrive at Forest Mall, pick up WLA students  (If needed)
• 12:50 pm Arrive at FVL for rehearsal

Sunday, February 2

• 5:10 pm Depart FVL
• 6:00 pm Arrive at Forest Mall (if needed)
• 7:00 pm Arrive at Allenton Park & Ride
• 7:45 pm Arrive at WISCO
• 8:15 pm Arrive at SLHS

Parents - there will be a Parent Q&A session immediately after opening announcements. If you are a new LVW parent, or would simply like to know more about how things work, this will be a very informative session. Thanks to our crew of experienced parents who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have!

The Opening Announcements will take place in the FVL Auditorium beginning at 1:00.  We will welcome everyone to our 2020 season,  have staff introductions, and give a brief overview of LVW and our upcoming summer.  After that any parents who are interested in the session will head to a nearby classroom.  All questions are fair game!  

The 2020 season officially gets under way on Sunday, January 5. Rehearsal will begin at 1:00 PM.  We will begin in the auditorium for the welcome from the staff, opening announcements, and an overview of the day's activities. We will conclude by 5:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. Please check with your school’s director/LVW coordinator for travel plans to and from the camp.

We will plan on bus transportation beginning at Shoreland, with stops at WISCO, Allenton Park and Ride, and Forest Mall in Fond du lac.  The tentative schedule is listed below.  If things change there will be an update posted on this site.

Camp Location:
Fox Valley Lutheran HS
5300 N Meade Street
​Appleton, WI 54913

We will be running a bus from Shoreland LHS, with stops in Milwaukee, Allenton, and Fond du Lac.  Here is the schedule:
Sunday, January 5

• 9:45 am Depart SLHS
• 10:15 am Arrive at WISCO (84th St entrance), pick up WISCO students
• 10:55 am Arrive at Allenton Park & Ride, pick up KML students
• 11:45 am Arrive at Forest Mall, pick up WLA students  (If needed)
• 12:50 pm Arrive at FVL for rehearsal

Sunday, January 5

• 5:10 pm Depart FVL
• 6:00 pm Arrive at Forest Mall (if needed)
• 7:00 pm Arrive at Allenton Park & Ride
• 7:45 pm Arrive at WISCO
• 8:15 pm Arrive at SLHS

If you will be riding the bus, make sure you indicate on the RSVP form so our driver knows how many students to plan for.

Please RSVP for the camp, even if you are unable to attend January 5 but intend to participate in 2020.  A link to the RSVP is also located on the LVW homepage.

If you have not yet registered for LVW 2020, that's OK.  We want all members to register before the February rehearsal.  Since this day is listed as a "PREVIEW", some may want to give this day a try before actually signing up.  The online registration form and other important information can be found on our JOIN page.
​
Here are a few items that you will need to know for the rehearsal:

When you arrive at FVL
Use the FVL Commons as a place to gather, meet old and new members, and drop off your equipment and other gear for the day.

Meals
LVW will provide a pizza supper at the end of the rehearsal before going home.

What to Bring
For marching rehearsals, you will need to have comfortable shorts or sweats. Please don’t wear “jeans” for marching/visual rehearsals. You will also need a pair of tennis shoes for use on the gym floor.

Don’t forget your instrument! If you will be using an LVW instrument (mellophone, baritone, tuba), you will need to bring your own mouthpiece. Reed players, please make sure you have a few working reeds for the day.

You will be given your music and other LVW equipment on Sunday at the beginning of the rehearsal.

Check back to this page occasionally. There may be more updates before the rehearsal.

Please tell your friends about this post, especially if they may be new to LVW.  We want excellent attendance at this camp!

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James NeujahrHello everyone!  Thanks for visiting the Blog!  I have been a director for LVW since 1987, and Executive Director since 1998.  I am the band director at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI, a position I have held also since 1998.  Come back often!