TMS 2025 Final Festival: Apprenticed!

Major Julian Watchorn (THQ) reflects on a wonderful celebration of the joy of being disciples through music at TMS 2025.

Each of the bands offered effectively contrasting pieces, including the upbeat ‘Motivation’ and the appropriately titled ‘The Power and the Glory’, the fun ‘A La Manera’ and the more technically challenging ‘Festivity’. 

Capturing the theme, ‘Christ in Me’ was sensitive and stirring, and the congregation of friends, family and supporters were inspired by another classic, ‘Song of Courage’.

The vocal group began with a beautiful reminder of the presence of God with ‘When I Rolled the Stone Away’. ‘Universal Praise’ was engaging with movements that included a waltz and a lullaby. Their final song offered a reassuring message, entitled ‘Over and Over Again’.

The musical theatre stream performed three lyrically adapted songs from Shrek the Musical: ‘Freak Flag’, ‘I Know It’s Today’ and ‘This Is My Story’ to captivating effect.

The contemporary worship stream contributed powerfully with ‘Great Are You Lord’, ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ and ‘Overflow’.

The A band’s contributions were memorable and moving with ‘Veni Sancte Spiritus’ and the wholly uplifting ‘Holy Forever’. The A Chorus also brought stirring and moving contributions with ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Reflections’.

Having recently stepped down as director of Music and Creative Arts, there was a moment of recognition for Stephen Cobb, having led and served Territorial Music Schools for many years. A standing ovation led by the students was echoed by the congregation.

By way of testimony, Carys Hooper challenged her fellow students to live out what they had learnt about being disciples and called on the congregation to support them in this.

With prayer and encouragement from Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretaries Captains Jonny and Kat Whitmore, the students were dismissed to go and be disciples.