Alumni Highlight: Drew Shaw ’17
Meet Drew Shaw
Drew Shaw joined us as a boarding student in 12th grade and graduated from our Upper School in 2017. Drew initially attended the Boston Conservatory, but transferred and finished up his undergraduate at The Juilliard School in New York. He’s currently a Violist in the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan and lives in Taipei!
Read more to learn about Drew’s experience at Brook Hill and what he’s been up to since graduation!
Q + A
Drew! What originally brought you to Brook Hill? Can you tell us a little bit about what all you were involved in on campus during your time here?
“The tremendous boarding school program! During my time at Brook Hill, I was involved in the orchestra program as well as the cross country and track and field teams.”
How neat! What faculty member at Brook Hill had the biggest impact on you?
“Dr. Gardner inspired me to always strive for excellence in my musical studies and encouraged me to pursue them, as well as modeling what it meant to be a godly man. He always fostered a positive and competitive atmosphere in the orchestra that brought out the best in each of us.”
That’s great to hear! We loved having you a part of our Orchestra while you were here. What are you up to now?
“I’m currently a Violist in the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan (Aka Taiwan Philharmonic). I live in Taipei, I’m 23, and I’m an active member of the worship leadership team at my church (New Birth Road Pentecostal Church).”
How incredible! Tell us more about the experience of auditioning for the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan.
“I won my audition with the orchestra this past September and at 23, I am the youngest member of the orchestra! I’ve had a wonderful experience immersing myself in the classical music scene here in Taiwan.”
That’s amazing! How do you think Brook Hill prepared you for these experiences and helped you be successful?
“Teachers including Dr. Gardner, Mr. Travis, and Mr. Rhodes all modeled what it meant to be a godly Christian man, and each of them inspired and encouraged me to continually strive to use the talents God has given me. Brook Hill has a tremendous ability in giving students necessary tools to learn any given profession or interest, and the rich and varied experiences of the faculty and staff give every student the possibility of mentorship from an expert in their field of interest.“
“Brook Hill has a tremendous ability in giving students necessary tools to learn any given profession or interest, and the rich and varied experiences of the faculty and staff give every student the possibility of mentorship from an expert in their field of interest.“ – Drew Shaw ’17
We love that! When you think about your time at Brook Hill, what are you grateful for?
“First and foremost I am grateful for the boarding community which I was a part of. Through the boarding program, my worldview was greatly enriched and expanded. I am grateful for the caring faculty, staff, and boarding families which provided a positive environment for me to grow and learn in. I love and miss everyone I met at Brook Hill and still keep in touch regularly with many of my boarding classmates, including here in Taiwan!”