Mikael performs on Show 464.

Mikael Malmgren (trombone), 18, is currently a senior at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California. He began learning trombone at the age of 10 under the tutelage of his father. Even at this young age, he proclaimed that he would someday hold the position of principal trombone in an orchestra. Inspired at the time by the joy of making music with others, Mikael has since prioritized a musical path built on musicality and the impact that music can have on others.

A current student of Sean Reusch, Mikael has achieved gold in two state-level California Music Educators Association (CMEA) solo competitions and earned a superior rating in four Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) regional solo competitions. An honor band musician for the past five years, Mikael has had the opportunity to perform in the Symphony Orchestra at both the CMEA and SCSBOA honor band conferences during his senior year, earning principal chair at the state level. Mikael has performed in the San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS) Jazz Orchestra for one year as lead trombone and holds the position of co-principal trombone in the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra (SDCYO). As a member of SDCYO, Mikael took part in their 2024 tour to New York City where he had the opportunity to perform for the first time in Carnegie Hall, his most memorable performance to date.

Mikael’s music experiences are varied. He has enjoyed attending the Arrowbear Music Camp on full scholarship for the past two summers, he is a section leader in his school’s marching band, wind ensemble, and orchestra, he sings in the Madrigals – the top choir in his high school, he is a member of the Basin Street Brass Quintet, and is self-studying music composition. Academically, Mikael is one of a select group to be assigned as a school ambassador. In this role, Mikael uses music to inspire elementary and middle school students to follow pathways they can be proud of as they journey through high school and beyond.

Mikael is pleased to announce he will be attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the Fall, and he is thankful for all his friends, family, and mentors who helped him to get there.

Receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Award will support Mikael by helping to cover private lesson costs and consultation lesson fees with prospective teachers as he works towards his collegiate studies.