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Westglades Middle School Student Jared Lipson Triumphs in All-State Orchestra Competition — Jared Lipson with Alberto Zilberstein, Westglades Orchestra Conductor. {Courtesy}

By Ryan Yousefi

Westglades Middle School student Jared Lipson has emerged victorious in the highly competitive All-State Orchestra competition, which draws musical students from across the state.

Following a recent competition, Lipson, a 14-year-old eighth-grade student at Westglades Middle School, took home the coveted designation of All-State Orchestra, a prestigious honor awarded by the Florida Orchestra Association.

Alberto Zilberstein, the Westglades Orchestra Conductor, tells Parkland Talk Jared’s viola competition performances were incredible. Still, he’s also a multi-talented musical artist capable of playing various instruments, each a unique outlet for his musical expression.

“Jared can play multiple instruments, such as viola, piano, and electric guitar,” Zilberstein said, adding that he began learning viola when he joined Westglades Middle School Orchestra in the sixth grade.

Since then, he has achieved multiple honors, such as being Principal Violist in the School Orchestra, representing Westglades Middle School as the All-State Middle School Honors Orchestra student, Broward All-County Honor Orchestra Silver Orchestra Principal Violist, and achieving a Superior Rating in Solo & Ensemble by the Florida Orchestra Association.

This year, he is the Florida Youth Orchestra Repertory Strings Principal Violist.

Jared’s mother, Cristina Lipson, provided some background on Jared’s relationship with music and how he’s become the protege he is today,

“Music has taught Jared discipline and perseverance, and it is also a way for him to connect and help others,”

As an example of Jared using his musical talent for good, Cristina shares that he is a violist in Camerata di Magdalena, a non-profit youth ensemble performing in various churches to benefit the Holy Grill Feeding the Homeless in Broward County.

Zilberstein says Jared’s All-State selection came through hard work and dedication and a process that can be, at times, tedious but rewarding.

He said students from across Florida are invited to participate, amounting to thousands of students auditioning.

They record their parts in their respective counties, and these recordings are listened to by a jury selected by the FMEA. Each student/recording receives a code (instead of their names), which avoids bias from the jury. From there, they select around 80 students to be part of the All-State Orchestra.

As part of the honor, Jared will now be part of an All-State Orchestra of around 80 students. Rehearsals and concerts will be held in Tampa at the FMEA Conference on January 10-15.

Cristina says that everyone is extremely happy for Jared and proud of how he represented his school, “We are incredibly proud of Jared for his hard work and determination and his accomplishments. We couldn’t be happier that he will represent Westglades in such a selective event.”

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.