Territorial Music School 2025: A God-filled week

Students from the 2025 Territorial Music School share their experiences.

Katie Wallis (Leek)

Coming back to TMS is a highlight of my year. The theme was all about being Apprenticed – to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus and to do as Jesus did. I was excited to join with people my own age, worshipping and experiencing how God is working in our lives.

From the worship sessions and our main study – mine was vocal – to our options and just hanging out in free time, all of it was centred around being apprenticed. Each day had a different theme we explored in Bible studies.

This year I was a part of the 24-plus age group and it was interesting to hear our different experiences of each theme. Delegates from different territories led vespers – evening prayers – about what The Salvation Army was like in their country, which was interesting.

During our main study session, we learnt different songs and pieces to perform during either the Wednesday or Saturday concerts.

One of the songs we sang was ‘Over and Over Again’ by Andrew Wicker. It really spoke to me. One of the verses states: ‘He can use it all, whatever I do, whatever my mess you’ll still be there to hear me confess over and over again.’

I felt that we spread the message that, whatever life throws at us, God will still be there and we can always come back to him.

It was a great week filled with God-given moments. If you are thinking about going, you should do it – I know that I will be next year!

Sam Bishton (Hedge End)

This was my first TMS – and, after the week I had, certainly not my last! Over seven tightly packed days, I explored my faith, improved my music-making skills, deepened connections with friends, made new ones, and ate far too many cooked breakfasts.

I chose musical theatre as my main study, which was initially daunting, given the frankly obscene amount of talent of my fellow delegates; it was a joy to be inspired by these fantastic actors, singers and dancers, and to explore how we might represent our faith through these mediums – some striking moments included ‘Bui-Doi’ from Miss Saigon, which implores the listener to remember that children stricken by poverty, war and famine are ‘our children too’, and using songs from Shrek the Musical to look at how we are each uniquely and wonderfully made.

In SATB choir, we sang through and recorded music to be offered to the Territorial Music Council for publication. I was caught by the opening line of ‘Complete’. We sang: ‘Here I am, O God. I bring this sacrifice, my open heart.’ 

That sense of offering was furthered in the week’s theme of discipleship – indeed, we had people quizzed on their discipleship in a small boat, the Disciple Ship… 

It feels an understatement to say I felt inspired coming out of TMS. It was brilliant to see so many young people giving their time and talents to God, and to delve into faith with them in fun, in prayer, in discussion – and, most of all, in music!

Katie Allington (London Citadel, Ontario)

This year was my first TMS. I wasn’t planning on coming to the UK but, after some closed doors, God opened this one up for me.

The first thing I noticed was how supportive the staff and students were. By the first evening meal, I already had made friends and felt less anxious about coming here.

I was in Paul Sharman’s band, where I not only got to play repertoire on my bucket list, but also experienced connection to God through them. A big highlight was ‘Festivity’ by Leslie Condon, which has this sense of thanksgiving, something I felt wholeheartedly.

I also got to sing in the A chorus under Andrew Blyth’s leadership. Choral music has always been close to my heart and ‘Come, Lord, to Me’ was a great reminder of our commitment to God.

There were so many powerful experiences. The week’s theme was about being apprentices of Jesus, and we dived into the Gospels to hear more about how different people abided and trusted in God. I was grateful to lead vespers with the other Canadian delegates and learn more about how the Army shows Jesus’ love across the world.

The powerful worship night where the Holy Spirit was moving marked a big step in my spiritual journey, and I am so grateful for the people around me who prayed and supported me.

TMS was truly one of the best weeks of my life. I am so grateful that God provided this opportunity. It has been life-changing, and I cannot wait to attend next year!