LVW 2023 Member Information Packet

Go to the link above to access the  FULL COLOR Member Information Packet (PDF Format) that has lots of information for our 2023 season. The same packet is also found on the "2023 Member Info Pack" tab.  The full document is broken down by page below - go to each page where you will find information about:
New information will always be posted to our website on the "Director's Updates" page.

The link to the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM is below.  It is NOW OPEN!

Good Financial Standing Requirement
Fees for the 2023 season must be paid IN FULL by June 1.  Failure to do so may result in termination of membership.  If there are special circumstances that prevent the fee from being paid on time, please contact James Neujahr at jneujahr@fvlhs.org or speak with him directly at 920-739-4441 x5160.

Ready to Sign Up?

Click on the Register for LVW 2023 button below to access the online registration form. 
  • Please note -  You will be taken to a site powered by "LeagueApps", which is the registration system being used by FVL.  When there, you will be creating a family account, and can then register your child(ren) for LVW.  If you already have an account, you will simply have to enter your child's LVW information.  
  • At the top of the page, there is a very thin, black line which will have "Dashboard" on it.  From your dashboard you will be able to check your account status, edit information, and so on.
  • The advantage of this registration site is that you have the ability to view your balance at any time.  You can also select different payment options.  In addition, any credits you may have can be carried over from one activity to the next, or from one year to the next.
  • You will be able to indicate your child's shoe size, T-shirt size, and other important sizing information from the registration site.  You will also have the ability to pay for these items online.
  • You can select to pay in full immediately, but remember you may have credits coming if your school has grant money available (FVL DOES have grant money available!).  So it may be "safest" to select to pay in installments, with the $100 registration fee being paid when you register.

Here are a few important items to consider when registering:
  1. A parent or guardian MUST be present when filling out the form
  2. The form will include items such as personal contact information, school and LVW section, fees (including the registration fee) and payment options
  3. The online registration form will include the Emergency Contact/Medical information, as well as the Release from Liability and Indemnification Agreement.  Therefore it is mandatory that ALL STUDENTS are pre-registered BEFORE attending the first rehearsal on June 6.. 
The links below will take you to the LVW Store where you can fill out shoe and uniform compression shirt sizes, Color Guard Items, or add items later.  The Store is also available when you register - so there is no need to go to this link at the time of registration.

Financial Assistance

1It is the desire of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin (LVW) that any student who truly wants to participate not be denied membership because of financial hardship.  The Board also recognizes the fact that, although the cost may be high for a student to meet, some prioritizing and choices have to be made on the part of the individual and his or her family.  Therefore, financial assistance may be available to students who demonstrate a circumstance that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to pay the entire fee for the upcoming summer.  

For example, FVL students will receive a grant of $100 from the FVL Music Associates.  FVL Students simply enter the proper CODE when registering. Other schools may also offer similar grants or scholarships.  Please check with your school's director to see if additional funds are available.

If there are special circumstances which may make it difficult to pay your fees in a timely manner, please contact James Neujahr, LVW Executive Director, to work out an agreeable plan.

James Neujahr
Band Director at Fox Valley Lutheran HS and LVW Executive Director
Office Phone: 920-739-4441 x5160
​Email: jneujahr@fvlhs.org

For Parents:

If you've never heard of Lutheran Vanguard before, all you have to do is ask current or former parents of "Vanguardians".  You will, no doubt, get a variety of answers.  However, one thing is certain.  All of them will tell you that there are many ways in which your child can "Let their Light shine" through membership in LVW!
And you don't have to take our word for it...

Why Your Teen Should Join Marching Band

10+ Values Marching Band Students learn

Sections within LVW - Which one is for YOU?

​LVW is open to all graduating 8th grade through 12th grade students from our member high schools and their grade school band programs.  Read on to learn more about the specific sections.

​LVW Hornline - Woodwinds and Brass
The Lutheran Vanguard Hornline is the powerful lifeblood of our ensemble, contributing to soaring melodies and rich harmonies while we entertain and let our light shine!
 
Positions in the Hornline are open to any instrumental musician who can read music and is regularly enrolled in their high school band program.  All brass and woodwind players are welcome to join the LVW Hornline.
 
Students who fit the above criteria but do not belong to one of our member high schools are eligible as long as they belong to a WELS congregation!

​LVW Battery Percussion - Snare, Bass, Multi-tenor, Cymbal
The Lutheran Vanguard Battery Percussion section is a high-energy, high-intensity section of rudimental percussionists that are often regarded as the “heartbeat” of the band. 

Battery Percussion is great if you love drum set, snare drum, or bass drum—but it is also perfect for musicians of any instrument.

Positions in the Battery Percussion are open to any student percussionist or musician who is regularly enrolled in their high school band program.  Placement auditions are performed early in the season to determine the drum that best fits your ability. 

Students who fit the above criteria but do not belong to one of our member high schools are eligible as long as they belong to a WELS congregation!
​LVW Color Guard - The best of Music, Theater, Dance!
Color Guard is a “Sport of the Arts”.  It combines music, dance, and other skills to entertain and compete in a unique atmosphere.

Color Guard members will learn how to use movement, dance, and equipment to enhance the musical performance of the band.  Your performance opportunities will include the use of flags, rifles, and other equipment, as well as dance!

Individuals with dance, theater, or other performance experiences would benefit, but no previous experience is necessary!  We have trained professionals to help you grow into experienced performers! Students who would like to be in our color guard do not need to be a member of their school’s band program.  You simply have to belong to a member school or a WELS congregation and in grades 8-12!

​Students who fit the above criteria but do not belong to one of our member high schools are eligible as long as they belong to a WELS congregation!
What do Alumni have to say about LVW membership?
“Vanguard is different from other bands in the sense that we are doing much more than entertaining, we are witnessing our faith at the same time. Our mission statement is almost word for word Matthew 5:16 ‘Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.’ Just through our behavior and attitude we can share the gospel, and there's no doubt that after 40 years of existence Vanguard has reached millions of people through our performance.”  Fai Haw, Lakeside Lutheran High School
 
“When I think of the meaning of being a family in Christ, wherever I am, I always think of Vanguard.” Jenna Keller, Fox Valley Lutheran High School
 
“I joined Vanguard to be closer to my family. In the end, Vanguard became my family.  God has blessed me with new friendships and with memories. He has given me an experience that will guide me through my future.”
Liesl Ragner, Fox Valley Lutheran High School
 
“It has not been only repping sets and playing music all day long each week - we played games, went swimming, hiked sand dunes, explored the Cherry Festival, and best of all, we all bonded and made new friends who share a love for God. I learned so much this season from being part of this band, and I could not think of a better way to spend my summer. Mixing in marching band along with an opportunity to grow in my faith ensures that there is no place I would want to be.  No matter how crazy the day was, as a band, we would take time to thank and praise our Heavenly Father for all the blessings of the day and week.”  Angelica Ramsey, Mosinee High School.

For Students:

Participation in Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin is open to any student who is regularly enrolled in the band program of one of our member schools.  This includes seniors who will be graduating at the end of the school year. In addition, students at other WELS high schools or public high school students who are enrolled in band and are a member at one of our member school’s federation congregations may also participate.  Eighth grade students who are enrolled in one of our member school’s grade school band programs may also participate with the approval of the high school band director.

Interested in joining our Color Guard?  
Students who would like to be in our color guard do not need to be a member of their school's band program.  You simply have to be enrolled at one of our member schools or belong to a WELS congregation and in grades 8-12!