Plans are underway to refresh and expand the online resources available to musicians in the Antiochian Archdiocese. In May, 2015, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph appointed Paul Jabara of Montreal, Quebec to be the new Chairman of the Archdiocese's Department of Sacred Music. Mr. Jabara will be working closely with the Department of Internet Ministry to update the architecture and design of the Sacred Music website, with the goal of significantly improving the music library through a revamped site map and the addition of new resources.
In a presentation at the 2015 Archdiocese Convention in Boston, Mr. Jabara articulated an expanded vision for the Department of Sacred Music. In addition to upgrading the online Sacred Music Library, the Department plans to build up the youth music ministry program, create a choir outreach ministry, develop a virtual choir, and increase the amount of scholarship money for the Sacred Music Institute (SMI).
"We are in the process of creating e-mail and mailing lists for each diocese," notes Mr. Jabara. "Our ongoing goal is to build stronger and closer relationships with our clergy."
Paul Jabara was born in Montreal and is a graduate of McGill University. Originally a trombonist, he obtained his undergraduate degree in voice and piano and a Master's degree in choral conducting, and presently divides his time between conducting and teaching. He is co-founder of the ensemble l'Orchestre de la Nouvelle France, and the founder of the Saint Cecilia Chamber Choir. In addition to his extensive background as a professional musician, Mr. Jabara loves the music of the Church, and has served for thirty years as music director at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Montreal.