What are the dates and times of the workshop?

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The Handbell Workshop is typically held on a weekend in September or October. Workshop participants have an opportunity to perform their new skills at church services on Sunday morning. The weekend workshop closes with a public Concert by the Forté Handbell Quartet. 

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Download a past Workshop Schedule to see examples of topics covered in the workshop.

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Do I need to have Handbell experience to attend?

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Participants at all levels of experience are welcome. Please contact us if you have questions about which track is best for your level of ability.

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What are the age requirements for the conference?

 

The beginning track is open to 5th graders and above. The intermediate and advanced tracks are open to handbell ringers 16 years and older.

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What do each of the three tracks offer?

 

Track A (Beginner): Laying the Foundation

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How do handbells work? Where do I start if I want to become a ringer? Designed for novice ringers, this track will introduce new handbell musicians to the instrument, beginning with plenty of practice with the most basic actions, then adding other techniques and relevant music-reading skills. By the end of the day, we will be playing published handbell music together.

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Track B (Intermediate): Strengthening the Skillset

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For current ringers who want to refresh their skills and round out their toolkits, this track will focus on expanding the foundational skills of amateur to intermediate ringers. The courses will introduce a broad range of techniques and method, with an aim to help ringers feel more comfortable with anything a piece of music may throw at them! This track will provide effective yet straightforward instruction on solidifying your existing ringing ability, to create the solid base and open doors for more advanced ringing skills down the road.

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Track C (Advanced): Delving Deeper

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How can I start to push my skills? How do I approach ringing differently for different areas of the table? This track is designed for those who are comfortable reading different positions, know the basic techniques, and want to take the next step in their handbell musicianship. 

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We will try to accommodate individual preferences as class-sizes permit. Download the Workshop Schedule to see the classes offered for each track.

 

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What do I need to bring to the workshop?

 

Participants need to bring a pair of handbell gloves.

 

If you wish to explore, Green Mountain Falls is known for its natural beauty and cool mountain weather. You may want to bring good walking/hiking shoes, sunscreen, warm layers, snacks and water. We advise caution as this is a high elevation environment.

 

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Where is the workshop located?

 

The workshop will be held at Church in the Wildwood. We are located in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado via Highway 24 from Colorado Springs. Our address is: 10585 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819. Plenty of free parking is available near the church and around the community.

 

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What amenities does the Church in the Wildwood offer?

 

Free wi-fi is available inside and outside the church. We have newly remodeled facilities including comfortable seating areas, restrooms, and meeting spaces.

 

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Will meals be available?

 

Lunch and dinner on Saturday are provided. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions on your registration form. The parks have picnic tables. The town also offers several restaurants. The Pantry, Mucky Duck, Tye Dye Java, Blue Moose, and Black Bear are all in walking distance. Hours vary.

 

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Is lodging available? 

 

The communities of Green Mountain Falls, Cascade, Chipita Park, and Woodland Park have many short-term rental and hotel options. Search online to secure a reservation.

 

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When can family and friends join me?

 

You will have Sunday morning free to explore the area and/or attend services at Church in the Wildwood. Eleven ringers will have the opportunity to perform at Sunday services. On Sunday afternoon, the Forté Handbell Quartet will present a concert at 4 pm. Anyone may attend the concert, no tickets are required. A free-will offering will be collected to defer costs.

 

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Who is sponsoring the workshop and concert?

 

This special event is made possible by a generous grant from The Kirkpatrick Family Fund. The Church in the Wildwood Music Ministry is organizing the weekend activities. The Forté Handbell Quartet is providing the educational programs and classes.

 

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How do I register?

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You can Register and Pay Online. If you prefer a paper form, you can pick one up at Church in the Wildwood or download the Registration Form online. Enclose a check for $75 and either drop off your registration at the church, or mail it to: Church in the Wildwood, P.O. Box 26 Green Mountain Falls, CO  80819.

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Space is limited. Registration closes when the workshop is full.

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Are Scholarships Available?​

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The registration fee should not be a barrier to attendance. A limited amount of scholarships are available upon request. 

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Do you have a flyer I can share?

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A printable PDF flyer and a social media post that can be copied and shared are available here.

 

 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

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Email our Music Director teresa@wildwooducc.org with any questions.