Michaela Kathleen Shaw, 17, began piano at age six and harp studies at age ten. She is a student of New West Symphony's principal harpist Maria Casale. In 2004, Michaela played as a soloist with New West Symphony in its Symphonic Adventures Program, a community educational program performing eight concerts for nearly 10,000 elementary school children. Named a 2007 Emerson Scholar at Interlochen Arts Camp, Michaela received a full tuition scholarship for six weeks of intensive harp studies at this prestigious arts camp where she played with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra.

    An outstanding high school senior at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Michaela enjoys a rigorous course load of honors and Advanced Placement classes. She received the Viewpoint School English and French Departmental Awards in 2007, and is a member of the Cum Laude Society. Michaela is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, placing her among the nations top one percent of high school students She enjoys serving her school and community as a member of Viewpoint's Founders Club, a board member of the Math Mentors program, and by serving as an acolyte at Church of the Epiphany, where she also participates in many outreach programs.

     When not practicing or studying, Michaela enjoys playing piano accompaniment for her fourteen-year-old soprano sister. A passionate Francophile, Michaela plans to continue her studies in French as well as music when she enters college this fall. To date, Michaela has been offered admission at the Eastman School of Music, USC and its Thorton School of Music, Indiana University at Bloomington and its Jacobs School of Music, Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Princeton University.

     As a New West Symphony concertgoer from an early age, tonight's performance holds a special place in Michaela's heart. She feels so blessed to have grown up with this incomparable symphony as a source of inspiration. Both musically and philanthropically the New West Symphony's educational programs are an outstanding and much-needed part of our community and deserve our support.

     Michaela wishes to thank her Mom and David, sister Maryn, Grandma Harlene and Granddad Doug, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dorothy, Great-Grandma Pearl and Papa for their unfailing support and love!