Join us in 2027 for a week of music making,
worship, and rejuvenation!
Clinicians
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Filipino-American conductor, composer and soprano, Arianne Abela, is Director of Choral Activities at Amherst College where she conducts the historic Glee Club and Concert Choir. She is founder and artistic director of Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble, a professional ensemble focused on early and new music with dedication to the intersection of racial, ethnic and gender diversity. She is conductor of Illumine Vocal Arts Ensemble, Western Massachusetts’ premiere auditioned choir. An ”acclaimed conductor who guides the musicians with refined power” (Stir Arts and Culture, Vancouver), Abela is a sought-after clinician in composition, conducting and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiatives. In 2013, Abela was featured conducting on NBC’s Today Show and was a semi-finalist in Season 8 of America’s Got Talent as director of Connecticut-based 3-Penny Chorus and Orchestra.
Abela received her doctorate in conducting from the University of Michigan, holds a masters degree in conducting from Yale University, and bachelor of arts from Smith College. Abela sings professionally in ensembles across the United States and Canada such as Yale Choral Artists, sounding light, Etherea Vocal Ensemble, Arkora, and Audivi. Originally from the San Francisco bay area, she sang with the San Francisco Girls Chorus for many years. Her choral works are published through ECS Schirmer Publishing as well as Musicspoke. Abela resides in Sunderland with her husband, Noah Horn, and three energetic children, Hazel, Tala and Oliver.
Filipino-American conductor, composer and soprano, Arianne Abela, is Director of Choral Activities at Amherst College where she conducts the historic Glee Club and Concert Choir. She is founder and artistic director of Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble, a professional ensemble focused on early and new music with dedication to the intersection of racial, ethnic and gender diversity. She is conductor of Illumine Vocal Arts Ensemble, Western Massachusetts’ premiere auditioned choir. An ”acclaimed conductor who guides the musicians with refined power” (Stir Arts and Culture, Vancouver), Abela is a sought-after clinician in composition, conducting and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiatives. In 2013, Abela was featured conducting on NBC’s Today Show and was a semi-finalist in Season 8 of America’s Got Talent as director of Connecticut-based 3-Penny Chorus and Orchestra.
Abela received her doctorate in conducting from the University of Michigan, holds a masters degree in conducting from Yale University, and bachelor of arts from Smith College. Abela sings professionally in ensembles across the United States and Canada such as Yale Choral Artists, sounding light, Etherea Vocal Ensemble, Arkora, and Audivi. Originally from the San Francisco bay area, she sang with the San Francisco Girls Chorus for many years. Her choral works are published through ECS Schirmer Publishing as well as Musicspoke. Abela resides in Sunderland with her husband, Noah Horn, and three energetic children, Hazel, Tala and Oliver.
Conductor, educator, ringer, composer: Kath is all about bells – and bell people! She is known for her clear directing style, innovative teaching and positive encouragement. She directs Gloria Dei (an adult church group) and Mosaic Handbell Ensemble (a community group), taught handbells to 5th-8th graders for 18 years in the classroom and directed teen ensembles at her church for almost 30 years. She regularly teaches and directs at events across the country and currently serves as a member-at-large on the Handbell Musicians of America Board of Directors.
A versatile composer with over 250 pieces in print, Kath’s creations range from Level 1 pedagogical music to Level 5+ concert pieces and
include original hymns; “Split-Level” pieces for groups with varying abilities; children’s anthems with handbells; commissions; Bell Tree solos; duets/trios/quartets and 8-, 10- and 12-Bell collections. Her Level 1 curriculum “Square One” is used internationally.
With a degree in geology, Kath taught environmental education at a residential camp and worked as a Ranger Naturalist for the National Park Service. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband Skip (also a retired NPS Ranger).
Conductor, educator, ringer, composer: Kath is all about bells – and bell people! She is known for her clear directing style, innovative teaching and positive encouragement. She directs Gloria Dei (an adult church group) and Mosaic Handbell Ensemble (a community group), taught handbells to 5th-8th graders for 18 years in the classroom and directed teen ensembles at her church for almost 30 years. She regularly teaches and directs at events across the country and currently serves as a member-at-large on the Handbell Musicians of America Board of Directors.
A versatile composer with over 250 pieces in print, Kath’s creations range from Level 1 pedagogical music to Level 5+ concert pieces and
include original hymns; “Split-Level” pieces for groups with varying abilities; children’s anthems with handbells; commissions; Bell Tree solos; duets/trios/quartets and 8-, 10- and 12-Bell collections. Her Level 1 curriculum “Square One” is used internationally.
With a degree in geology, Kath taught environmental education at a residential camp and worked as a Ranger Naturalist for the National Park Service. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband Skip (also a retired NPS Ranger).
Conductor, educator, ringer, composer: Kath is all about bells – and bell people! She is known for her clear directing style, innovative teaching and positive encouragement. She directs Gloria Dei (an adult church group) and Mosaic Handbell Ensemble (a community group), taught handbells to 5th-8th graders for 18 years in the classroom and directed teen ensembles at her church for almost 30 years. She regularly teaches and directs at events across the country and currently serves as a member-at-large on the Handbell Musicians of America Board of Directors.
A versatile composer with over 250 pieces in print, Kath’s creations range from Level 1 pedagogical music to Level 5+ concert pieces and
include original hymns; “Split-Level” pieces for groups with varying abilities; children’s anthems with handbells; commissions; Bell Tree solos; duets/trios/quartets and 8-, 10- and 12-Bell collections. Her Level 1 curriculum “Square One” is used internationally.
With a degree in geology, Kath taught environmental education at a residential camp and worked as a Ranger Naturalist for the National Park Service. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband Skip (also a retired NPS Ranger).
Jennifer Oncken is currently in her tenth year as Director of Vocal Music for Francis Howell North High School, where she directs two chamber choirs (Knight Sound and Bella Voce), Chorale, Aurora Treble Choir, and Cantus. She also serves as the High School Vocal Music Professional Learning Community Leader for the Francis Howell School District, and teaches AP Music Theory. Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lindenwood University (Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Vocal Certification) where she was recipient of the Supero Asperum Award, and is currently a Master's student at Missouri State University (Music Education).
Jennifer currently serves on the Executive Board of the Missouri Choral Directors Association as the St. Louis Metro District Representative, previously as the Choral Co–Vice President for the Missouri Music Educators Association St. Louis Metro District, and has presented at the Missouri Choral Directors Association Convention. Her ensembles have been selected to perform at the 2026 SWACDA Conference, have appeared at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo, and at Disney’s EPCOT Candlelight Processional. In April, they will return to Carnegie Hall to perform Elaine Hagenberg’s new work Aeterna Via under the direction of Anton Armstrong.
Jennifer Oncken is currently in her tenth year as Director of Vocal Music for Francis Howell North High School, where she directs two chamber choirs (Knight Sound and Bella Voce), Chorale, Aurora Treble Choir, and Cantus. She also serves as the High School Vocal Music Professional Learning Community Leader for the Francis Howell School District, and teaches AP Music Theory. Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lindenwood University (Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Vocal Certification) where she was recipient of the Supero Asperum Award, and is currently a Master's student at Missouri State University (Music Education).
Jennifer currently serves on the Executive Board of the Missouri Choral Directors Association as the St. Louis Metro District Representative, previously as the Choral Co–Vice President for the Missouri Music Educators Association St. Louis Metro District, and has presented at the Missouri Choral Directors Association Convention. Her ensembles have been selected to perform at the 2026 SWACDA Conference, have appeared at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo, and at Disney’s EPCOT Candlelight Processional. In April, they will return to Carnegie Hall to perform Elaine Hagenberg’s new work Aeterna Via under the direction of Anton Armstrong.
Nathan Gerlach is the Director of Bands at Cambridge High School in Cambridge, Wisconsin, where he has the privilege of directing the Cambridge High School Marching Band, two concert bands, and a jazz ensemble, while also teaching beginning piano and music theory. He loves helping students grow as musicians and enjoys creating opportunities for them to perform at a high level. Under his direction, Cambridge's concert and jazz ensembles have consistently earned First Division ratings at Wisconsin School Music Association festivals, and the jazz ensemble has qualified for the State Solo & Ensemble Festival six of the past seven years.
Nathan earned music education degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While at both universities, he performed in concert and jazz ensembles, and during graduate school he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, working with the clarinet and saxophone sections.
A lifelong performer, Nathan enjoys making music in a variety of settings. He spent 15 years as a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church Worship Band in Madison, where he performed for worship services, weddings, concerts, and other special events. Today, he can most often be found playing saxophone and singing with the Madison-area pop/rock band, The Trophy Husbands.
When he's not teaching or performing, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children, Alyce, Sylvia, and Jonathan. Whether it's cheering on his kids, making music with friends, or keeping up with the family's dog, Benny, he values the time spent with the people who matter most.
Nathan Gerlach is the Director of Bands at Cambridge High School in Cambridge, Wisconsin, where he has the privilege of directing the Cambridge High School Marching Band, two concert bands, and a jazz ensemble, while also teaching beginning piano and music theory. He loves helping students grow as musicians and enjoys creating opportunities for them to perform at a high level. Under his direction, Cambridge's concert and jazz ensembles have consistently earned First Division ratings at Wisconsin School Music Association festivals, and the jazz ensemble has qualified for the State Solo & Ensemble Festival six of the past seven years.
Nathan earned music education degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While at both universities, he performed in concert and jazz ensembles, and during graduate school he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, working with the clarinet and saxophone sections.
A lifelong performer, Nathan enjoys making music in a variety of settings. He spent 15 years as a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church Worship Band in Madison, where he performed for worship services, weddings, concerts, and other special events. Today, he can most often be found playing saxophone and singing with the Madison-area pop/rock band, The Trophy Husbands.
When he's not teaching or performing, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children, Alyce, Sylvia, and Jonathan. Whether it's cheering on his kids, making music with friends, or keeping up with the family's dog, Benny, he values the time spent with the people who matter most.
Rachael Kresha is the organist at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, Wisconsin, and serves as an adjunct professor of organ at the University of Wisconsin–Superior. She is an active recitalist, educator, and collaborative musician dedicated to fostering excellence in sacred music and organ performance. She recently appeared in a live performance on Minnesota Public Radio hosted by Michael Barone.
Rachael is the co-founder of the Sanctus Series at the Cathedral of Christ the King and the Sacred Music Symposium at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, initiatives that promote artistic excellence, education, and community engagement through the pipe organ and sacred music. (superiorcatholics.org)
She earned a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Emory University, where she studied with Dr. Timothy Albrecht. She received her Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Superior, studying with Dr. Norma Stevlingson, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Cottey College.
In addition to her university teaching, Rachael maintains a private studio in the Twin Ports, where she teaches organ, piano, and harp. A versatile musician, she also enjoys performing chamber music as a violinist.
PIANO/ORGAN
Rachael Kresha is the organist at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, Wisconsin, and serves as an adjunct professor of organ at the University of Wisconsin–Superior. She is an active recitalist, educator, and collaborative musician dedicated to fostering excellence in sacred music and organ performance. She recently appeared in a live performance on Minnesota Public Radio hosted by Michael Barone.
Rachael is the co-founder of the Sanctus Series at the Cathedral of Christ the King and the Sacred Music Symposium at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, initiatives that promote artistic excellence, education, and community engagement through the pipe organ and sacred music. (superiorcatholics.org)
She earned a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Emory University, where she studied with Dr. Timothy Albrecht. She received her Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Superior, studying with Dr. Norma Stevlingson, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Cottey College.
In addition to her university teaching, Rachael maintains a private studio in the Twin Ports, where she teaches organ, piano, and harp. A versatile musician, she also enjoys performing chamber music as a violinist.
Rev. Christopher Grundy, PhD is an author, songwriter, recording artist, speaker and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He is Professor of Worship and Preaching and Associate Dean for the Chapel at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He has released four albums and numerous singles, available on all major streaming platforms. His worship songs are sung in congregations in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and more. His songs appear in Sing! Prayer and Praise, published by the United Church of Christ, Then Let Us Sing, published by the United Church of Canada, and Songs for the Holy Other, published by the Hymn Society of America. He is the author of Recovering Communion in a Violent World: Resistance, Resilience, and Risk and a co-author of The Work of the People: What We Do in Worship and Why.
Learn more at www.christophergrundy.com and www.belovedcommunion.org.
Christopher is married to Dr. Carla Tellor Grundy and they have three sons, Ross, Liam, and Gabriel.
WORSHIP
Rev. Christopher Grundy, PhD is an author, songwriter, recording artist, speaker and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He is Professor of Worship and Preaching and Associate Dean for the Chapel at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He has released four albums and numerous singles, available on all major streaming platforms. His worship songs are sung in congregations in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and more. His songs appear in Sing! Prayer and Praise, published by the United Church of Christ, Then Let Us Sing, published by the United Church of Canada, and Songs for the Holy Other, published by the Hymn Society of America. He is the author of Recovering Communion in a Violent World: Resistance, Resilience, and Risk and a co-author of The Work of the People: What We Do in Worship and Why.
Learn more at www.christophergrundy.com and www.belovedcommunion.org.
Christopher is married to Dr. Carla Tellor Grundy and they have three sons, Ross, Liam, and Gabriel.
2027 Registration
*ROOM & BOARD REQUIRES SEPARATE REGISTRATION WITH GREEN LAKE CONFERENCE CENTER (920-294-3323)
Group Registration: 1 registration free with 10 registrations; Contact FABM directly for more information
You may cancel your registration without a cancellation fee before June 15th. There will be no refunds issued after June 15th.
Special international rate: $100 US Dollars
SCHOLARSHIP FORM: Click here to access a print form and here to access an online form
Due May 1, 2027
Please follow up with us if you don't hear confirmation from us within a week that we have received your scholarship application.
Youth staying at Lone Tree Lodge will pay for room and board as part of their registration fee.
We use Zeffy for our online registrations. Zeffy does not charge FABM any fees, but will ask you for a donation to support their platform.
You will have the opportunity to choose whether to donate and how much you would like to donate.
CHILDREN'S SCHEDULE
Handbells
Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday, 9:10-10:00am
Celebration: Thursday, 7:15pm
Choir
Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday, 10:15-11:45pm, Friday, 10:15-12pm
Celebration: Friday: 1:10pm
A children's choir coordinator accompanies the children from handbells to choir.
(2026)
GENERAL INFO