Handbell Workshop
and Concert in the Wildwood
Brought to you by:
The Forté Handbell Quartet & Church in the Wildwood
2025 Dates TBD
Forté
in GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS!
We are SO excited that the talented Forté Handbell Quartet of Colorado Springs – recently returned from their 'Kaleidoscope' multi-state tour – will be back at Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls for our weekend workshop and concert!
Forté leads an annual workshop in September or October for Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced ringers. We've had an amazing response for the last 3 years - 2025 dates coming soon!
Each year, the weekend closes with a community concert by Forté for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family and friends – no tickets are needed for the concert!
TRACKS
We welcome ringers of all levels! Choose your track using the descriptions below.
Track A:
Laying the Foundation
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 and handbell-specific music-reading skills. By the end of the day, we will be playing published handbell music together.
Track B:
Strengthening the Skillset
For current ringers who want to refresh their skills and round out their toolkits, this track will provide instruction on a broad range of techniques aimed at expanding foundational skills and solidifying your existing ability, opening doors for more advanced ringing skills down the road.
Track C:
Delving Deeper
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.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Luke Nabeta
As the artistic director and energetic leader of Forté, Luke arranges much of the music Forté performs. He and his wife Serena have five children and he works as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service.
Megan Reishus
Megan has been ringing handbells since 4th grade and has been a featured performer at many area and national events. She is the owner of Sonology Music, publishing primarily handbell music.
Dillon Ekle
Dillon directs the handbell choir at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, subs in other groups, writes and arranges music for bells, and works as an online academic monitor and a music engraver.
Tory Marting
Tory is part of the sixth generation of Forté and believes in the unfailing wonder of music. He works as a lead electrician in his company's home services division and lives in CO with his wife, Grace.
OUR STORY
A unique collaboration began in 2022, when Church in the Wildwood reached out to Forté to ask about developing and presenting a handbell workshop and concert. Once both the church and the quartet were on board and excited about the opportunity to share the art of handbells with the Ute Pass region, Church in the Wildwood worked with the Kirkpatrick Family Fund to secure sponsorship in order to keep the costs as low as possible for participants. Forté and CWW then worked together for about 6 months to plan the workshop, culminating in a fun and successful launch in the fall of 2022. We are excited to be in our 3rd year!
Concert in the Wildwood
with the Forté Handbell Quartet
TESTIMONIALS
“The most valuable aspect of this workshop was hearing a variety of different things from the best handbell people I know. Seeing how they explain things while teaching, having a small enough event that everyone could get individual help”.
“I came expecting to learn a lot more about teaching than ringing. I was very surprised by how much I learned as a ringer as well. Forte is incredible and I learn something every time I’m in the same room with them.”
“The most valuable aspect of this workshop was learning how to make rehearsal MORE than just playing the notes but working on presentation and looking like you are moving together!”