Here is information for the LVW members and support staff as you prepare for the July 3 and 4 parades, as well as the trip to Traverse City.  

It will be the "BIGGEST WEEK OF THE SEASON" with five parades and a concert performance!  The first parade of this week will take place on Tuesday night, July 3, in Menomonee Falls.  We will also be participating in two parades on our nation's birthday, July 4, in Wauwatosa and Brown Deer.  NEW THIS YEAR – LVW has also been invited to perform at the July 4th festivities at The Wisconsin Club!  Then on Thursday the band heads to our "home away from home" at the National Cherry Festival in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan.  The band will participate in parades on Thursday, July 5 and Saturday, July 7.

Many thanks go out to our crew of volunteers!  Our kitchen coordinators and workers put in more time than anyone can imagine to keep our band fed and well nourished!  The uniform staff has done well to keep us looking and smelling awesome!  Again, their work behind the scenes and on off days is much appreciated.   Thanks also to Bryan Thede and Dan Fick for their continued work with the truck and equipment.  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.  Their efforts will finally be rewarded with some much needed Free Time and Fun Time for socializing!
Here are some of the fun/free time activities we have planned:

1.  Wednesday, July 4 - Following the two parades, the band will be the featured performing group at The Wisconsin Club. Our performance will include a pre-dinner concert, as well as playing Battle Hymn prior to the Fireworks that night.  We will also be guests at their “All You Can Eat Buffet” with salads, meats, desserts, and beverages, and will join in on their dunk tank, bouncy houses/ inflatables, and other fun July 4 activities.  The Club has even offered their locker rooms and showers for the band to use following their in-uniform performance before dinner.  We are told they provide soap, shampoo, hair dryers, and warm towels!  Thanks to John Bieberitz for helping to make this performance possible!

2.  Friday, July 6 - After a morning rehearsal, the band will be taking the rest of the day off for free time at the National Cherry Festival!  We are making a return to the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City.  Then LVW will have several hours at the National Cherry Festival grounds as well as Downtown Traverse City. In all of our years traveling with the band - Traverse City seems to be our favorite destination!  LVW members will need SPENDING MONEY for their SUPPER on this day, as they will be "on their own" at the festival and downtown.

We will be staying at Wisconsin Lutheran HS on Tuesday and Wednesday evening until we depart for Traverse City on Thursday morning, so all staff and LVW members are to pack accordingly.  Remember, you should pack for FIVE days, but again try to utilize small suitcases and duffel bags. We are traveling with school buses for Tuesday and Wednesday so space will be very limited.  We will be traveling on luxurious Nationwide Motorcoaches for the trip to Traverse City!  

Here is a summary of our rehearsals and performances this coming week.  The links provided here and in the daily itinerary below will take you directly to information provided by each parade committee or organization.  You will see routes, times, and maps.

Tuesday, July 3 - Independence Day Parade in Menomonee Falls (7:00 PM)
Wednesday, July 4 – Wauwatosa Independence Day Parade, 9:00 AM; Brown Deer 4th of July Parade, 1:30 PM; Wisconsin Club Performance, 6:00 PM
Thursday, July 5 - Travel to Traverse City, march in the Junior Royale Parade
Friday, July 6 - Morning rehearsal, afternoon at the Dunes and Downtown Traverse City
Saturday, July 7 - March in the Cherry Royale Parade, then return home

LVW will be housed at the following locations:
Wisconsin Lutheran HS (Tuesday and Wednesday nights)
330 Glenview Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53213

Trinity Lutheran Church and School (Thursday and Friday nights)
1003 South Maple
Traverse City, MI 49684
Trinity Lutheran Church and School: 231-946-2720

Emergency contact information:
Joel Ungemach Mobile Phone - 920-973-3240

Since this is a rehearsal, performance, and travel week, LVW members should remember to pack the following:

Sleeping bag and pillow
Air mattress (optional)
ONE suitcase and ONE SMALL Carry-on bag (for motorcoach travel)
All personal items as needed (towel, soap and shampoo, change of clothes, DEODERANT, etc.)
BLACK SHOES AND SOCKS, BLACK A-4 T-SHIRTS, BLACK GLOVES, GUARD APPAREL, ETC. (Note we have SIX performances this trip!)
LVW 2018 Season T-Shirt (We will wear these at the Wisconsin Club after we change out of uniform)
Instruments, music, etc.
Water jugs, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, comfortable marching shoes, hats, etc.
EXTRA INFO - students may want to bring swim suits and towels, as there is a very nice beach area near the Cherry Festival grounds.  Some students also walk the approximately 2 miles from the Dunes to the Lake Michigan shoreline.  Swimming is optional for all LVW students.

Here are some items to consider having on the Nationwide Motorcoaches for our trip to Traverse City:

Bring on the coach bus in your small carry-on bag
1. Charging cord for devices.(there's an outlet in the back of every seat)
2. Headphones 
3. A blanket (air conditioning is quite chilly)
4. A DVD movie (one to watch on the bus monitors, PG-13, PG, or G.)
5. Comfy clothes and sweatshirt for bus ride
6. A few snacks for bus ride, but not many and nothing messy.

And, regarding spending money...
7. Set aside $15-20 for the Traverse City marching band t-shirt. These can be purchased at the Cherry Festival grounds.  Band members can purchase them if they wish.
8. Set aside $10 for your supper at the Cherry Festival Fairgrounds/TC downtown for the evening of Friday, July 6.  There are MANY choices of great places to eat, from nicer restaurants and bistros downtown to vendor tents in the Festival Grounds and the Carnival.  Obviously, some places are more expensive than others.

Checkout Procedures for Saturday, July 7:

If you are going to be picked up following the Cherry Royale parade, and are not traveling home with LVW, the following procedures MUST be followed:

1.  Your parents must pick you up following the parade. That will be on Saturday after the Cherry Royale Parade. If you pick up your child after the parade, please pick up your child at Trinity Lutheran Church and School.  Please be aware, if you are picking up your child, you must be there before 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 to KML and you can pick them up at that location.

2.  Your parents must check you out with the attendance chaperon 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. DON’T FORGET THE NOTE AT HOME, because there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

Daily Itinerary for Tuesday through Saturday
Tuesday, July 3
8:00 AM               Arrive FVL, Load (Students from MLHS, WISCO, KML, and SLHS will meet directly at Bethlehem.  Check with your school's transportation coordinator for travel plans)
8:15 AM               Depart for Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School, N84 W15252 Menomonee Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
9:45 AM               Arrive Bethlehem Lutheran School, Unload
10:00 AM            Rehearsal at Bethlehem
12:00 PM             Lunch
1:00 PM               Rehearsal
5:00 PM               Supper
5:45 PM               Change into uniform, pre-parade warm up at Bethlehem
7:00 PM               Parade begins – Parade ends at Menomonee Falls HS, W142 N8101 Merrimac Dr, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
10:00 PM             Depart for Wisconsin Lutheran HS, 330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213
10:30 PM             Arrive Wisconsin LHS – Unload, move in
Wednesday, July 4
Wednesday, July 4 – Happy Birthday, America!
Parade Day!
Concert and Free Time at the Wisconsin Club!
Evening Fireworks!

7:00 AM              Load buses at Wisconsin Lutheran HS, 330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213
7:30 AM              Depart for Wauwatosa Parade Line Up (Wauwatosa Civic Center parking lot at Wauwatosa Ave (76th Street) and North Ave)
7:50 AM              Arrive line up, unload, warm up
9:00 AM              Wauwatosa Independence Day Parade begins - LVW #30 in this parade.
10:30 AM            Pick Up point following the parade is 104th and North Avenue (Mayfair Shopping Center)
10:30 AM            Lunch will be served in the Mayfair Parking Lot
11:30 AM            Load and travel to Brown Deer Parade Line Up (Brown Deer Elementary School, 5757 W Dean Road, Brown Deer, WI 53223)
12:00 PM            Arrive at the line up area
1:30 PM              Brown Deer July 4th Parade begins (Parade ends at Village Park, 4920 South Greenbrook Terrace, Brown Deer, WI 53223) - LVW #42 in this parade.  We are the last unit, a "Place of Honor!"
3:30 PM              Eat post-parade snack, Pack and Load
4:00 PM              Depart for the Wisconsin Club, 6200 Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, WI 53223
4:15 PM              Arrive at the Wisconsin Club, park, unload
5:00 PM              Warm Up for the Wisconsin Club Performance
6:00 PM               Wisconsin Club Performance begins
6:30 PM               Shower and Change (shorts and LVW Season T-Shirt) at the Wisconsin Club
7:00 PM               Dinner Buffet (AYCE!) and July 4th Activities at the Wisconsin Club
9:00 PM               Warm Up and prepare for Pre-Fireworks performance
9:30 PM               Pre-Fireworks Performance (in Shorts and LVW Season T-Shirt)
9:45 PM               FIREWORKS at the Wisconsin Club!
10:30 PM             Pack and depart for Wisconsin Lutheran HS, 330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213
11:00 PM            Arrive WLHS
11:30 PM             Devotion and Lights Out
Thursday, July 5

Travel Day – Milwaukee to Traverse City, MI (420 Miles)
Move in to Trinity, Junior Royale Parade
Housing for Thursday through Saturday will be at Trinity Lutheran School, 1003 South Maple Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Trinity Phone – 231-946-2721
Trinity Website

5:30 AM               Wake Up/Shower/Eat, Pack, and Load
6:15 AM               Load Buses
7:00 AM               Depart for TC
TBD – Rest stops along the way - Lunch will be served at Michigan Welcome Center, New Buffalo, MI
4:00 PM               Arrive Trinity Lutheran School/unload/move in
4:30 PM               Eat Pre-parade snack
5:00 PM               Change into Half Uniform, load buses/truck
5:15 PM               Depart for line up
6:30 PM               Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade Begins – LVW is #20 in this parade
8:00 PM               Return to Trinity, change out of uniform
8:30 PM               Supper at Trinity
10:30 PM             Devotion
11:00 PM             Lights out

Friday, July 6

Rehearsal day
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Cherry Festival Grounds, Downtown Traverse City

7:30 AM               Wake up, shower, eat
8:30 AM               Rehearsal
11:30 AM             Lunch
12:30 PM             Depart for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
1:15 PM               Arrive Dunes
4:15 PM               Depart for Cherry Festival
5:00 PM               Arrive National Cherry Festival
5:00 PM               SUPPER IS ON YOUR OWN. LVW members bring money for supper, souvenirs, shopping
9:00 PM               Return to Trinity
11:15 PM             Devotion
11:45 PM             Lights out

Saturday, July 7

DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade
Travel Home

7:30 AM               Wake Up, Shower, eat, dress
9:00 AM               Change into uniform
9:30 AM               School pictures
11:00 AM             Depart for Line up
11:15 AM             DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade Begins – LVW is #77 in this parade
1:30 PM               Return to Trinity
1:30 PM               Change out of uniform, eat lunch, shower, load, clean facilities
3:00 PM               Depart for Walker, MI
5:30 PM               Supper in Walker, MI Golden Corral (3461 Alpine Ave NW, Walker, MI 49544)
6:30 PM               Depart for home - Change watches BACK one hour when you get to Chicago
9:00 PM               Arrive Shoreland LHS – Split LVW into KML/FVL and MLHS/WISCO

WISCO/MLHS Bus
9:45 PM               Arrive Wisconsin LHS
11:30 PM             Arrive MLHS
KML/FVL Bus
10:00 PM             Arrive KML
11:30 PM             Arrive FVL 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

​Here is information for the LVW members and support staff as you prepare for the upcoming rehearsal, Lake Mills Town and Country Days Parade, and attendance at the DCI Show in Whitewater.

Meals will be provided by LVW.  The band will have free time on Saturday at the Lake Mills Town and Country Days Festival, which is a carnival held in downtown Lake Mills.  The students may want to bring spending money for rides and “Carnival Eats”.  We will also be attending the Whitewater Classic DCI show that night, so the kids may want to bring spending money for Drum Corps souvenirs, as well as “Stadium Food” at the show.  LVW WILL be providing lunch and supper on Saturday, so the kids will be fed.  The extra money for food at the Carnival and the Show is up to each individual.

Rehearsal begins at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 21 at  St. Peter Lutheran School N2740 N French Rd, Appleton, WI 54913.  

The Week at a Glance:  We will be rehearsing at St. Peter on Thursday and Friday.  Thursday night the band will be staying at St. Peter, and Friday night the band will be staying at Lakeside Lutheran HS.  Saturday morning LVW will march in the Lake Mills Town and Country Days Parade, and that night the band will be attending the Whitewater Classic DCI Show.  Following the show everyone will return home.  It will be a late arrival for most of our members!

Remember, you should pack for three days, but try to utilize small suitcases and duffel bags. We are traveling with school buses for this week, so space will be very limited.

Thursday, June 21 – Rehearsal at St. Peter;  Evening worship at St. Peter, Appleton 6:30 PM
Friday, June 22 – Rehearsal at St. Peter, Overnight at Lakeside Lutheran HS
Saturday, June 23 – Lake Mills Town and Country Days Parade and evening Whitewater Classic DCI Show

LVW will be housed in the following locations this weekend:
Thursday – St. Peter Lutheran School 
Friday - Lakeside LHS

Emergency contact information:
James Neujahr Mobile Phone - 920-740-3924
Joel Ungemach Mobile Phone - 920-973-3240

Since this is a rehearsal, performance, and travel week, LVW members should remember to pack the following:

Sleeping bag and pillow
Air mattress (optional)
ONE small suitcase (Remember, we are on School Buses this week)
All personal items as needed (towel, soap and shampoo, change of clothes, DEODORANT, etc.)
BLACK SHOES AND SOCKS, BLACK A-4 T-SHIRTS, BLACK GLOVES, GUARD APPAREL, ETC.
Instruments, music, etc.
Water jugs, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable marching shoes, hats, etc.

Because most of our members and volunteers will be arriving home VERY late on Saturday night/Sunday morning, LVW will be attending  church services at St. Peter, Appleton at 6:30 PM on Thursday evening. Please pack nice casual clothes for this service.  It is also a communion service, so our WELS/ELS members are welcome to participate in the Lord's Supper.

Checkout Procedures for Saturday, June 23: 
If you are going to be picked up following the DCI Show in Whitewater, and are not returning on the bus or with your school’s designated transportation, the following procedures MUST be followed:

1.  Your parents must pick you up following the show. The buses may be parked at Perkins Stadium or possibly at Starin Park in Whitewater (TBD).  Perkins Stadium is located at 910 Schwager Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190. Please be aware, if you are picking up your child, you must be there before 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. DON’T FORGET THE NOTE AT HOME, because there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

Itinerary for Thursday through Saturday, June 21-23

Thursday, June 21
Following is information for travel plans to St. Peter on Thursday.  It will be similar to travel to St. Peter on June 14.

SLHS
SLHS students will  go to WLHS.  Shoreland students should then follow the itinerary for WLHS below.

WLHS
7:45am - Meet at Wisco by the Band Doors (North side by the garage)
8:00am - Depart for St. Peter's
9:45am - Arrive at St. Peter's
10:00am - Opening Devotion for Camp #3

Because we're using school vans or personal vehicles, there is not much room for luggage. Charlie Ungemach will be hauling any overflow luggage to Appleton on Thursday morning as well.

KML
KML will again be taking the blue van. Please be at KML by 8:00 am so we can load the van and be moving by 8:15 am.  Mrs. Robinson plans to be in the PAC lot. If any West Benders need a ride to KML, Kaiser and I will be leaving our house (318 Sand Drive) at about 7:40.

Please respond to Wendy Robinson so that she knows who will be riding in the van and who will be going from her house to KML.

ALL Schools
9:45 AM Arrive at St. Peter Lutheran School
10:00 AM              Announcements and Rehearsal begins
The band will follow our “Normal Rehearsal Day Schedule”, with meals and snack provided by LVW.
11:00 PM               Lights out.  We are staying at St. Peter for the evening

Friday, June 22
8:00 AM                 Wake up, shower, eat
9:00 AM                 Rehearsal
12:00 PM               Lunch
1:00 PM                 Rehearsal
5:00 – 6:30 PM     Eat, Pack, and Load
6:30 PM                 Depart for Lakeside Lutheran High School (231 Woodland Beach Rd, Lake Mills, 53551)
8:30 PM                 Arrive Lakeside LHS, Move in
10:30 PM               Lights out

Saturday, June 23
7:30 AM                 Wake up, shower, eat
8:15 AM                 Change into Uniform
9:00 AM                 Load for Parade
9:15 AM                 Depart for Line Up
9:30 AM                 Drop off at parade line-up near C.P Avenue and Lake Street
10:30 AM               Parade Begins
12:00 PM               Pick up at parade end near Prospect and Birch (Lake Mills Elementary School)
12:30 PM               Return to Lakeside LHS – change and eat
1:00 PM                 Clean Facilities, Pack, and Load
2:00 PM                 LVW Free Time at Lake Mills Town and Country Days Festival – Downtown Lake Mills
4:00 PM                 Depart for Whitewater Starin Park, 504 W Starin Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190
4:30 PM            Arrive Starin Park, eat supper.  This park is VERY close to UW-Whitewater and where the drum corps will be warming up.  It is likely the buses will remain here until after the show.
5:30 PM                 LVW will have the opportunity to watch drum corps warm up until the show begins
7:00 PM                 Drum Corps International show begins at Stadium
10:00 PM               Depart Perkins Stadium for Appleton

FVL will travel home on one Lamers Bus
LPS, KML, WLHS, and MLHS students will ride the Brandt Bus to WLHS, Grafton (Target), and MLHS

11:00 PM               Arrive Wisconsin Lutheran HS (330 N Glenview Ave, Milwaukee)
11:30 PM               Arrive Target Parking Lot (HWY 60 and 43 in Grafton, WI)
12:30 AM              Arrive MLHS (Brandt Bus)
12:30 AM              Arrive St. Peter's Lutheran Church (Lamers Bus) 

LVW will again be selling extra 2018 Seasonal T-Shirts.  All of the LVW members will be receiving a shirt, as the price is included in the season fees.  All others (Staff, Volunteers, Directors, Banner/Detail, Relatives) will need to purchase a shirt.  We will have a number of shirts (Adult SM, M, L, XL, XXL) remaining that can be purchased for $18 each.  We hope to have the shirts by June 22.  

Follow the link to view the 2018 LVW Season T-Shirt

The extra shirts for sale will be kept on the LVW truck.  If you would like to purchase them, please see one of the staff members or volunteers.  The best time is immediately following a parade, or where LVW is rehearsing or being housed.  LVW Members can also purchase shirts for family members, as long as the shirts are paid for when picking them up.  Due to the limited number of shirts, they will be first-come, first-served. 

Checks can be made out to "Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin".

Here are the travel plans for Thursday:

SLHS
Mr. Groth has made arrangements for the SLHS students to go to WLHS.  Shoreland students should then follow the itinerary for WLHS below.

WLHS
7:45am - Meet at Wisco by the Band Doors (North side by the garage)
8:00am - Depart for St. Peter's
9:45am - Arrive at St. Peter's
10:00am - Opening Devotion for Camp #2

Because we're in a school van, there is a bit less space for luggage. Charlie Ungemach will be hauling any overflow luggage to Appleton on Thursday morning as well.

KML
Since there will be no Shoreland bus on Thursday, we will be taking the KML blue van instead. Please be at KML by 8:00 am so we can load the van and be moving by 8:15 am.  Mrs. Robinson plans to be in the PAC lot. 

If any West Benders need a ride to KML, Kaiser and I will be leaving our house (318 Sand Drive) at about 7:40.

Please respond to Wendy Robinson so that I know who will be riding in the van and who I will be taking from my house to KML.

​​I want to first congratulate everyone for a job well done during this first week of camp!  Thanks to Shari Graham and Tammy Fick and our army of volunteer support staff for making sure the kids were fed, to Clay and Johanna Funk and our uniform crew for helping them look awesome, to those with the band on the parade routes, and to Dan Fick and Bryan Thede who prepared the truck, and made sure that we have everything in place for our first two performances. Also thanks to Joel Ungemach and Tammy Fick for their work with the volunteers and 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 new reality of doing parades 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. 

IMPORTANT - parents MUST go to the information for ordering tickets for the Whitewater show on Saturday, June 23.  Even if you are personally not attending, you will need to order and pay for your LVW member's ticket(s).

CAMP #2 INFORMATION
Rehearsal will begin on Thursday at 10:00 AM, and will take place at St. Peter Lutheran School N2740 N French Rd, Appleton, WI 54913.  Times for each day this week are very similar to what they were last week for the first week of camp.  The week will conclude following the Chilton Father's Day Parade on Sunday afternoon.

TRANSPORTATION TO St. Peter on Thursday, June 14
Students from KML, SLHS and WLHS will be riding a bus that is yet TBD.  We are having difficulty scheduling a driver for the SLHS Bus.  We are looking into chartering a bus, or possibly using one of KML's buses.  So our plan will be to run a bus from WISCO to the Allenton Park and Ride and then to Appleton.  This will require the SLHS students to get to WISCO on Thursday morning for departure.  The travel times and pick up points are different from last week. 

7:20 AM - Arrive Wisconsin Lutheran HS 330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213
7:30 AM - Depart WISCO
8:00 AM - Arrive Allenton Park and Ride, 6689-6699 County Road W, Allenton, WI 53002
8:10 AM - Depart Allenton Park and Ride
9:45 AM - Arrive St. Peter Lutheran Church and School, N2740 N French Rd, Appleton, WI 54913

All meals will be provided by LVW.  We will be staying at host homes on Thursday, June 14, and at St. Peter on Friday and Saturday night.  Students should remember to pack everything needed for four days of camp.  The packing list for this past week will be a good reference for this week as well, with the main difference being we have one parade instead of two.

Worship Service
LVW will be attending worship at St. Peter on Thursday night.  This will be an outdoor service, and dress for the night will be casual.  It will be a good idea to bring a "clean shirt and pair of shorts" for the worship, rather than your regular practice clothing.  The worship service will begin at 6:30 PM.

Don't forget to bring the following as well:

• Sunscreen
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Large water jug

SPECIAL ACTIVITY INFO
On Friday, June 15  We will be going to Erb Park in Appleton for some swimming and relaxation!  They have a swimming park with water slides, as well as a very nice concession area!  LVW will pick up the cost for the students, but students may bring their own money for concessions.  Obviously students should pack a swimming suit.  If the weather is not adequate for swimming on Friday night (rain or whatever) we would then go on Saturday.

Students should also 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 saw some very hot and humid weather this first week, and next week could bring more of the same.  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 17
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.  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 (This is from previous years - sorry for the "low tech" look to the scanned map - it is still the same route!)

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 St. Peter Lutheran Church and School (Lamers) following the parade by approximately 2:00 - 2:15.  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 SHORELAND 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.

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. DON’T FORGET THE NOTE AT HOME, because there are NO EXCEPTIONS!

Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin will be ordering group tickets for The Whitewater Classic DCI show to be held on Saturday, June 23 at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater! The band will attend the show as a group, as they will be together for that weekend's parade in Lake Mills. We want to make more tickets available for others to attend.

This show will include the Colt Cadets, Pioneer, Colts, Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Boston Crusaders, and the Madison Scouts.

Follow the link to THIS FORM (Form now closed to new orders) to indicate how many tickets you would like to order for The Whitewater Classic.  You can also click the button below.

To sit with the LVW group, you MUST complete this form by Thursday, June 14 no later than 6:00 PM! After that time we will not be able to add tickets at our group rate. You will be on your own to order tickets after that time.

It is assumed that all current LVW members will attend. There is a section in the form to indicate the LVW Member tickets. Staff members, directors, volunteers, LVW Alumni, LVW Guests/Relatives, Banner/Detail members, and everyone else should be included in the ADDITIONAL tickets section to order your tickets.

The tickets for current LVW members and all others (including Banner/Detail members if they attend) will be $12.50. Tickets for this event range from $20 - 40, so the $12.50 group rate is a very good savings!

We will collect money ($12.50 LVW ticket fee) from the LVW members during the next two weeks. They can bring the money next week to rehearsal if they so choose. If you would like to pay for additional family tickets ahead of time, you may also send that with your LVW member.

LVW will have the tickets for the show in our possession. When we get closer to the event, you will be updated with information about where and when you can pick up your tickets. Most likely they will be distributed outside the stadium gate in the pavillion about an hour before show time. You may pay for the tickets on the day of the event when you pick up your tickets if you have not paid ahead of time.

If paying by check, please make payable to "Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin" and indicate "DCI Show" on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to James Neujahr, 5300 N Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54913.

If you have questions contact James Neujahr at jneujahr@fvlhs.org.

For more details about the show you can visit the DCI Website at https://www.dci.org/events/the-whitewater-classic

                                                                        This form is now closed to new orders.

First of all, we would like to thank all of the students, staff, parents, and friends of Vanguard who support this wonderful ensemble. Over the course of its 40-year history, LVW has been blessed beyond measure as they continue to carry out their mission to "let our light shine".

In 2010, Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin began to march in field show performances while maintaining its reputation and tradition of stellar street performances in parades. God blessed LVW with 8 wonderful seasons of being able to witness through field performances to thousands of people throughout the Midwest.

In preparation for the 2018 summer season, the LVW instructional staff and the LVW Board of Directors had to make some difficult decisions regarding the immediate future of the ensemble. Because the LVW staff and members hail from a very large portion of Eastern Wisconsin - from Kenosha and the greater Milwaukee area, and from Manitowoc to the Fox Cities - the time demands on members, family, and other commitments proved to be too challenging to continue to perform field shows.  In the best interest of all students, staff, and beloved support base, the decision has been made to suspend the field show and move forward with a somewhat shortened season of parade performances only. This decision will allow LVW to continue to provide the highest quality of Christian education, fellowship, and outreach as the band remains one the Midwest's premier summer marching ensembles.
​
Please keep LVW in your prayers in this time of transition. We extend our sincerest thanks to every person who supports this special ensemble!
 

​Hello LVW parents & friends:

We have a very exciting season approaching for Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin!

What a wonderful blessing it is to have LVW available for our students! In order to keep costs low and to provide assistance to the staff we are asking parents and friends of LVW to help with a number of events. Please look at the site below, consider how you can help, and then sign up on the site!

​Our Volunteer Coordinator has updated the sign up to include the remainder of the season.  MANY spots are still open, including spots for the first week of the season.

We always have enjoyed a great amount of support each summer. We are very thankful for that! Now we are asking if you would please join us in supporting these events. We are using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our season volunteers. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to see our SignUps on SignUp.com: http://signup.com/go/UMngyis or click the BUTTON below.
2. Review the SignUps listed and choose the one(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. 

Thank you so much for considering this request! May the Lord richly bless the remainder of your school year. See you this summer on the parade route or at the field!

UPDATED INFORMATION:
Most of the information contained in the original post is still applicable to our revised schedule.  Please note that Camp #1 begins at 2:00 on Wednesday, June 6, and not Monday, June 4 as previously noted.  A bag supper is not needed for this first day of camp.  Also, dot books are no longer needed.

​ORIGINAL POST:
​The LVW 2018 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 and shows 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 2018.  

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 2018 events has been posted to our "Schedule" page.  You can click on individual events for more detailed information, including times, locations, and maps!

Important Band Camp Information:
Dates: Monday, June 4 – Saturday, June 9 
Beginning time: 2:00 PM on Monday (arrive by 1:30) 
Place: All camp activities will take place at FVL in Appleton, with parades in Brillion (Friday), and Appleton (Saturday).

Housing during Camp #1
Links to the Housing/Hosting forms are on the homepage. Please do so ASAP.  We need to make sure that all families are accounted for as to housing or hosting students.  We would like all members to fill out these forms by Wednesday, May 16.  More information and instructions are on the forms, but please make sure you use the correct forms.  There is one for FVL Students (for hosting students) and a different form for non-FVL students (for housing information).
 
LVW Staff and Members should bring a bag supper for Monday, June 4. All other meals along with all beverages will be provided during camp. Please bring something healthy, such as a sandwich, fresh fruit/vegetables in addition to chips/dessert items. LVW will provide beverages for the meal.

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

Forms and payments:
Remember that 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 Krista Davis in the FVL Business Office at kdavis@fvlhs.org.


Camp schedule:
Wednesday,June 6 - 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Thursday,June 7 - 8:30 AM until 9:00 PM
Friday,June 8 - 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Brillion Electric Parade 9:00 PM

Saturday, June 9 - 8:30  - 11:00 AM
Appleton Flag Day Parade 2:00 PM - LVW is #88 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 9.

First Performances of the Year: 
Our first performance of the year will be on Friday, June 8, when LVW will travel to Brillion to participate in the Brillion Electric Parade. The parade will begin at 9:00 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.

Our next performance of the 2018 season is Saturday, June 9, in the 68th 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 following link will also take you to a map of the Appleton Parade Route.  A complete Parade Line Up is also available by clicking the link.

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

What to bring with you to band camp:
LVW members should pack clothing for six 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 Undershirt will be handed out at Camp. Members from previous years should also bring their short sleeved black “A4” shirts that we have used for the past several years.  There is a more detailed packing list for band camp following so you can make sure you have all of the necessary items.

We will be placing an order for the black shoes for the wind and percussion members on Wednesday of camp week.  If you do not have shoes yet, or need to order new ones if your older shoes need to be replaced, you will be fitted for shoes on Monday of band camp.  New shoes this year will be approximately $40.

We will be staying in host homes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, and at FVL on Friday  night.  All members should bring a sleeping bag/pillow/air mattress and personal items (deodorant/towel/soap/shampoo/etc). These will be needed on Friday night when we stay at FVL.  Some members will also need these items for staying at host homes on Tuesday through Thursday.

1. Instrument and/or other necessary equipment
2. All music and warm-ups—memorized!
3. 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.
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. A spiral-bound dot book (notebook – 3x5 or 4x6 size) with shoestring for writing drill coordinates and a pen or pencil
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. 2 BLACK T-SHIRTS (A4) – These will be given to you at band camp if you have not received one already. They will be $7.50 each. You may pay for them at camp, or the cost will be added to your next statement. Please do not buy t-shirts on your own. We are buying these from a supplier so they are all the same.  Many members will be able to use these shirts from previous years.
14.  SPECIAL NOTE – because our new uniforms will need a different undershirt, LVW will be placing an order.  Nobody has these yet.  They will become your personal property, and the price will be determined.  They will likely be in the $20-30 range.
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 black T-shirts (which you will pick up at camp), and your black shoes.  Other parts of the uniform 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 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 MONDAY, TUESDAY AND 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!  Clay and Johanna Funk have again volunteered as our Uniform Coordinators.  You may contact them at appletonfunks@aol.com if you are able to help or have questions.