Polk State Music alum performs worldwide after getting start at collegiate high school

Now a professional musician who has performed across the globe, Ryan Michael James was a high school junior when he enrolled at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and took courses in the College’s renowned Music Program. He never would have guessed that the decision would have led to a rewarding entertainment career.

James was 19 years old when he went on tour for the first time. He’s worked as a professional singer, performer and actor in many countries and on multiple continents.

“I wanted to get ahead with school,” James explained about his decision to attend Chain of Lakes. “It was a great opportunity to get free college and an associate’s degree. I made lifelong friends here. I loved my time at Polk State.”

Born and raised in Winter Haven, James grew up as an arts enthusiast. For elementary and middle school, he attended Davenport School of the Arts where he was part of the school’s theatre and choir programs. James also participated in all-state choir and the steel drum ensemble. He spent his ninth- and 10th-grade years at Winter Haven High School where James was part of the drama club.

“I always enjoyed learning,” James reflected. “The collegiate program was a way to challenge myself and stay ahead of the curve. I was fortunate that Polk State had an incredible Music Program. It was a great perk and goes to show that everything happens for a reason. If not for that experience, I don’t know that I would have ended up in music the way that I have.”

Mentors in music

A 2010 Chain of Lakes graduate who, like most of Polk State’s collegiate high school graduates, received both his diploma and Associate in Arts, James developed a greater understanding of music. Those are skills he continues to use in his professional career.

“I’ve always been super passionate about singing,” James recalled. “I remember being in the back of my mom’s car, wailing different songs. I have always loved the different genres and had an eclectic taste in music. Coming to Polk State and learning the foundational backgrounds of music broadened my worldview. It helped me in musical theater and to learn technique and how to sustain a career in it.”

During his time at Polk State, James was fortunate to have great mentors. Those include Virginia Zechiel, adjunct piano professor and Professor of Music Michelle Manzi. A 2010 Chain of Lakes graduate who, like most of Polk State’s collegiate high school graduates, received both his diploma and Associate in Arts degree, James developed a greater understanding of music through Polk State’s talented faculty and performance opportunities. Those are skills he continues to use in his professional career.

“(Virginia and I) had a really strong relationship,” James explained. “She became like my school mom. She has remained supportive years later. Michelle Manzi was my vocal teacher and has also been supportive over the years. I had a lot of great mentors while I was here.”

After graduating from Polk State, James enrolled at the University of South Florida where he eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration. James chose his major because he wasn’t fully convinced that a career in the arts was attainable. Less than a year into his time in Tampa, he took his first tour as a dancer for Sesame Street Live.

“The thing I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve been able to do it,” James exclaimed. “Growing up, I had dreams of being a movie star or a pop star and while I haven’t necessarily made it to that echelon of success, I have made a career consistently performing for about 15 years. I was told before it was impossible or too hard. That has taken redefining what success means. I’m getting to do what I set out to do.”

Making music a career

Following Sesame Street Live, James worked as a singer at multiple theme parks, including Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion in Virginia. His resume includes singing in Carnival Cruise Line shows and Royal Caribbean’s production of We Will Rock You – a musical based on the songs of the legendary British rock band, Queen. That opportunity allowed James to meet Queen guitarist Brian May and to watch Queen perform with Adam Lambert as its front man.

“I’ve been so lucky and blessed to not have a ton of down time,” James added. “There are cases of right place, right time, but also through hard work.”

In addition to his theme parks and cruise ships, James was part of a Broadway National Tour. He also appeared in the show Kinky Boots and was recently in Australia for a Frankie Valli tribute show.

“There have been so many rewarding things about my career,” James said. “Getting to travel the world doing the thing I love and seeing the joy it brings other people is so rewarding. When I was on Kinky Boots, we traveled all over the country. There were people from small, southern and conservative towns and I saw people feel comfortable with being who they are. I get to share that experience with people from all across the world.”

James offered words of encouragement to aspiring performers.

“My biggest advice for people wanting to explore music as a career or hobby is to define your why,” he concluded. “A lot of people say to work hard and persevere. That is true. It takes hard work and perseverance and there is a lot of sacrifice that goes into it, but if you really can define why you’re doing it and what makes you tick and holding onto that as you push forward, that is going to be your biggest driving factor.”

Along with Music, The Arts at Polk State offers Theatre and Visual Arts. In addition to academic studies, each area offers students numerous performance and exhibition opportunities throughout Polk County. More information is available at polk.edu/the-arts.