Winning Spirit Magazine January-February 2016 | Page 8

More photos at: www.LHMWSM.com SLEIGH BELLS AND SINGING ANNUAL SING-ALONG EVENT MARKS RETIREMENT OF LONG-TIME CONDUCTOR The 31st annual Christmas Carole Sing-Along was held on Monday, December 14, marking the final performance for long-time conductor and music director Robert C. Bowden. The free Christmas concert, hosted by the Miller family, featured a 30-piece orchestra and performances by the musical group Joshua Creek, a Utahbased country-gospel band. Fox 13’s Big Budah emceed the event, with Jazz Bear and Santa Claus also making appearances to the delight of the crowd. Bowden had conducted a similar event presented by the LDS Church on Temple Square—an event the Miller family attended regularly. In the early 1990s, the concert found itself without a home, and Larry Miller offered to host the event at the Delta Center starting the annual company tradition. Before leading the Christmas concert, Bowden had served as conductor at the New England Conservatory of Music and served for 25 years as the conductor of the Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus. “Robert has meant a lot to the Sing-Along,” said Gail Miller. “He put his heart and soul into this event. It meant a great deal to Larry and our family, and we are grateful for Robert’s willingness to share his talents with us and the community.” Steve and Gail Miller presented Robert Bowden with a framed photo and conductor’s baton for his many years of service to the Sing-Along concerts. Despite heavy snows and pleas from the Governor for people to stay home and off the roads, Vivint Smart Home Arena was filled with carolers eager to sing in the Christmas season.