The majestic sounds of All Creatures of Our God and King rang out at Scarborough Citadel in Toronto, as the massed voices of Canada and Bermuda’s Territorial Music School (TMS) kicked off the final program of the week-long camp, which concluded on September 1.

Women's chorusThe students and faculty, along with participants in the third annual Leadership Development Institute, hailed from every division across the territory, from British Columbia to Bermuda to Newfoundland and Labrador. The camp also attracted international attendees representing France, Argentina, Hong Kong and Japan.

Guests for this year’s TMS, held at Jackson’s Point, Ont., provided musical and spiritual inspiration. Paul Sharman (Deputy BM Regent Hall Corps, London, England; music ministries unit, THQ, United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) led the music program. Sharman brought his wealth of experience as a composer—with more than 50 brass and choral works published in Salvation Army journals—conductor and cornet soloist. Sharman’s work with the A Band on two of his larger works, Purpose and Quest, was a musical highlight of TMS for many.

For the third consecutive year, Chris Stoker (spiritual formation director, U.S.A. Eastern Territory) led the Bible program, using his unique blend of humour and theological understanding to help TMS attendees see the Scriptures in fresh ways. Focusing on the life of Moses, Stoker walked the students through God’s calling, obedience and blessing.

“The ability of our guests to communicate well to this current generation of students is essential, and we know that our young people have returned home to their corps refreshed, challenged and renewed,” says Craig Lewis, territorial secretary for music and gospel arts.

Working alongside Sharman, music leaders from around the territory led the Territorial Music School’s three streams—brass band, women’s chorus and worship team. Bandmasters Andrew Burditt (Oshawa Temple, Ont.), Captain Nicholas Samuel (corps officer, London Citadel, Ont.) and Marcus Venables (Toronto’s North York Temple; territorial music and gospel arts department) each led a band and contributed the numbers Kerygma, Boundless Kingdom and Of Great Wonder to the final program.

Band in rehearsalSusan Kroeker (Calgary’s Glenmore Temple) and Heather Osmond (Toronto’s Cedarbrae Community Church; territorial music and gospel arts department) led the women’s chorus in selections that included Lift Up Your Voice and Where’er You Go. Osmond also led the A Chorus in Just a Closer Walk with Thee and Festival Gloria, which both entertained and blessed the audience at the final program.

The worship team stream, which has grown in popularity in recent years, was guided by Lori and Dave Wilson (Richmond Hill Community Church, Ont.) and Stacey and Buhle Dlamini (Westville Corps, N.S.). Participants in this stream had the congregation on their feet worshipping enthusiastically at Scarborough Citadel.

The final program and the 49th consecutive year of TMS finished with the combined voices of 175 students and faculty singing. As the sounds of Peace Be With You faded away, all in attendance left with the Lord’s blessing.

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