Musicians widely regard the cello as one of the hardest orchestral instruments to learn how to play. Many can attest to the fact that, while all instruments require hard work and dedication, the cello requires passion to reach a level of mastery. Mikey Arumainayagam ’18 stands as one of the handful of students who has this passion for the difficult instrument.

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From a young age, Arumainayagam has been involved with music. While the cello was not his first instrument, his early experience with the piano cultivated his love for music. However, he soon came to realize there were some bumps on his road to learning to play the piano.

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“My sister played the piano too, and I remember we would have fights about who would get to practice. My mom thought I shouldn’t play piano, she was actually the one who first told me I should consider playing cello,” Arumainayagam said.

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The sheer convenience of not playing the same instrument as his sister compelled Arumainayagam to make the switch from the piano to the cello. However, his mother’s advice had a sway in the decision as well.

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“My mom told me she saw a movie, like a James Bond movie, and a guy was playing a cello in it, and he looked super cool. She really got me into it,” said Arumainayagam.

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Once Arumainayagam picked up the cello, he could not put it down. Not only did he dedicate himself to improving his cello skills, but he also helped others improve their skills. Recently, Arumainayagam volunteered at a community center and educated children about the cello. The experience impacted him greatly.

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“The kids there were very rowdy very difficult to deal with them. I wasn’t sure how effective I was. But, on my last day there, they thanked me for all that I had done. It taught me that music can give me a purpose. It’s not just about listening to it and playing it, but it can help people,” said Arumainayagam.

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In terms of his own experience, Arumainayagam has put in years of work to master the cello. He has partaken in intense programs since a young age, and continues to do so as he nears the end of high school.

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“I’ve attended the New England Conservatory Preparatory School since I was twelve, where I have played in orchestras and chamber groups. For the past three years, I’ve played in NEC’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, the most advanced ensemble at the school, and this year I am co-principal cellist of that orchestra,” Arumainayagam said.

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Arumainayagam attributes much of his success to the work he has done inside the school and the support he has found in Orchestra Director, Dr. Sergey Khanukaev.

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“The music we play is very challenging, and Dr. K has always held us to high expectations. I enjoy hearing his stories about the concerts he has conducted and the famous musicians he has met,” said Arumainayagam.

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Khanukaev also holds Arumainayagam in high esteem.

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“Mikey is one of the most prominent cello players of his age. He takes a principal cello seat in our orchestra and plays the most important solo parts in the music,” Khanukaev said.

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While many cello players in the high school have distinguished themselves inside the walls of the school, Khanukaev has recognized Arumainayagam dedication outside of class as well.

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“Last year he was the only orchestra student chosen for All-Eastern Music Festival in Atlantic City, where he successfully performed in the All-Eastern Symphony Orchestra. He also played as a principal cellist at the District and All-State music Festivals,” said Khanukaev.

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Even though music plays a prominent role in Arumainayagam’s life, he has many other interests. Arumainayagam has been taking lessons in taekwondo since age five at Jae H. Kim Taekwondo Institute. He has now reached the level of third degree black belt and participates on the institute’s demonstration team. With this team, Arumainayagam will travel to China to give a demonstration at the Shanghai International Hanmadang.

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Still, Arumainayagam holds his passion for music above his passion for taekwondo.

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“I’m not as passionate about taekwondo as I am with music, especially with continuing it, but it is something I have enjoyed and something I can use for the rest of my life,” Arumainayagam said.

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Arumainayagam’s ceaseless passion for music, and likely his prioritization of it among other hobbies, has influenced his classmates greatly. Joy Miao ’19 attests to this.

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“Mikey’s dedication to music shows clearly not only in his skill, but through his presence in orchestra. He always pushes all of us to do better in rehearsal where he never hesitates to point out areas to work on,” Miao said.

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Khanukaev also recognizes Arumainayagam’s helpfulness with other students in crucial times.

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“Mikey is very responsible and helpful: when necessary, he always helps other students and instrumental groups at the time of sectionals or general orchestra rehearsals,” said Khanukaev.

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Arumainayagam’s time playing the cello has influenced his life in many ways. However, he has not decided whether he will continue in his endeavors with the cello. As he completes his senior year and must prepare to go off to college. In doing so, Arumainayagam has not applied to a conservatory and instead will consider other paths he can take.

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“ I know I am into STEM subjects, so I’m thinking [of] maybe [studying] physics or chemistry, but I’m not really sure yet. I am going to try to explore as much as I can,” said Arumainayagam.

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As he prepares to leave behind the high school, Arumainayagam leaves behind countless awards and experiences. One thing that will never leave, however, is the impact he made on his peers.

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“Mikey is almost always smiling, making orchestra a fun and relaxing place,” said Miao.