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Forming in 2007, Forté has had an increasingly active schedule of concerts and recordings. Founding members include Luke Nabeta, Michelle Eads, David Jordan, and Tracy McChesney. There have been a lot of different members throughout the years, but each new ringer has helped shape the group that performs today.
Forté is based in Colorado Springs and is an advanced handbell quartet marked by artistry, energy, and dedication to its craft.
The musicians of Forté now are – Luke Nabeta, Megan Reishus, Dillon Ekle, and Tory Marting. These four ringers challenge themselves to “Rethink Possible” by expanding their musical and performance horizons and adding original compositions and arrangements to their ever-expanding repertoire while challenging audiences’ perceptions of what handbells can really do.
Forté began with a few goals in mind. The first was to Glorify God by developing and sharing the gifts and talents He has given.
We acknowledge that all of our abilities are gifts from God, and we want to use them with an attitude of grateful wonder and excitement. To offer Him our best, we constantly strive to push ourselves and sharpen those skills. Whether we are playing sacred or secular pieces, classical or modern, profound or lighthearted, we want our music to point to the One who saves us and gives all creation its inspiration and fulfillment.
The second is to foster awareness, enjoyment, and appreciation of handbells within the wider musical world and beyond by maintaining high musical and artistic standards
"Much of the general public is unaware of the world of handbells, and many musicians have never seen the instrument outside of limited contexts. By approaching our music with professionalism and artistry, we hope to broaden the experience and exposure of handbells, showing the musicality and depth they can produce."
They have been featured performers and faculty at Handbell Musicians of America events, have presented several successful tours across the country and released three CDs and a DVD of music videos filmed around the state of Colorado.
They perform various styles, including but not limited to Celtic, techno, pop-country, classical, contemporary Christian, and new age.
We will welcome Forté Sunday, July 24th at 2 pm onto our stage. This tour is called "The Trio Tour" and will feature Luke Nabeta, Megan Reishus, and Dillon Ekle.
Get your tickets below!
Sources:
https://fortehandbells.org/