Assistant Director, Senior Conductor Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra and Javacya International Symphony Orchestra

Mr. Ralph Jean-Paul is the Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra’s Senior Conductor and soon launched Javacya International Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as Assistant Director of the Javacya Arts Conservatory. Mr. Jean-Paul began working with Javacya as a sophomore at Florida A & M University and played a significant role in its growth and development. He recently conducted the renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine in her first appearance with the Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra in a tribute to Black composers’ works.

As a college professor, Mr. Jean-Paul is Assistant Director of Baritones and Sousaphones and Assistant Director of Bands at Florida A&M University. His responsibilities in the Department of Music include teaching instrumental and applied Music, coordinating recitals, and assisting with various other business operations for the Department of Music and the goliath known as the Marching 100. He is a native of Miami, FL, where he graduated from Miami Central Senior High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music from Florida A&M University under the tutelage of Dr. Julian E. White and Dr. Shelby R. Chipman. Then he obtained his master’s degree in Music with a concentration in Tuba Performance from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fl, under the instruction and direction of the late Dr. Arthur Jennings and Professor James Jenkins, an established tubist and teacher.

In conjunction with his duties at the Collegiate level, Mr. Jean Paul is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in tuba performance doctor at Florida State University. Performing with several ensembles at Florida State, he performs and serves as a guest conductor of the Big Bend Community remains active with his musical abilities by playing with the Big Bend Orchestra. Mr. Jean-Paul, the Symphony of Gulf Coast in Brunswick, GA, and the Monterey, Mexico as Visiting Principal Tuba Player with the UANL Symphony Orchestra.

Some of his professional affiliations include FMEA (Florida Music Educators Association), ITEA (International Tuba and Euphonium Association), NAfME (National Association for Music Educators), The Multicultural Network, and an exhibitor for the Miraphone Company.

As a visionary, Mr. Jean-Paul has excellent aspirations to create original tuba works. As an educator, he wants to continue spreading knowledge via music seminars throughout the country and internationally. His strong passion for music and tuba playing creates an atmosphere of enjoyment from hard work with a greater purpose. Mr. Jean-Paul hopes that through his efforts, he will inspire and mold tomorrow’s musicians’ minds.