Robert Sands (conductor)

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Robert Sands (born 1828-04-15) was the first conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir after the building of the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to Sands taking over as conductor, the choir was lead by Charles J. Thomas and performed in the "Old Tabernacle" which was also on Temple Square.

Sands was born in Balana Screen, County Londonderry, Ireland. He moved to Scotland where he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1849 and then served for a time as a Mormon missionary in Scotland.

Sands emigrated to Utah Territory in 1863. He became director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in November 1865. In October 1867, he lead the choir in its first performance in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. In 1869 he was succeeded as director of the choir by George Careless.

[edit] Sources

Cornwall, J. Spencer. A Century of Singing (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 1958) p. 351.

v • d • e Mormon Tabernacle Choir Music Directors John Parry · Stephen Goddard · James Smithies · Charles John Thomas · Robert Sands · George Careless · Ebenezer Beesley · Evan Stephens · Anthony C. Lund · J. Spencer Cornwall · Richard P. Condie · Jay E. Welch · Jerold Ottley · Craig Jessop · Mack Wilberg