Innovation and encouragement took center stage this week for a group of Thomas County Central High School students.
Students in TCCHS fine arts classes were invited to experience shows by Bronkar Lee, an innovative and multi-talented performer known for his juggling and beatboxing skills, as well as his infectious energy and charm.
Lee is married to Thomas County Central High School graduate and singer/songwriter Cyndi Harvell. They were in town for performances and a workshop at Thomasville Center for the Arts, and held student shows earlier this week.
“Everybody’s been amazing,” Lee said of his visit to Thomasville. “Everything’s been really positive, and it’s been a really pleasant experience and supportive atmosphere.”
Student Austin Ridley attended a show and felt it “was an excellent learning environment” because Lee’s performance was “right up my alley and really caught my attention.”
“My favorite part was the beatboxing and harmonica,” he said.
Student Ansley Brinson also enjoyed the show, especially when Lee let her try juggling balls.
“I love how he interacted with all of the students,” she said. “He was so sweet and fun.”
One of Lee’s favorite parts of the student shows was when he got a youth on stage and they improvised together. He enjoys “connecting with people” and interacting with them through avenues like Q&A sessions.
“That’s the real juice for me because they are walking away with something,” he said. “When they are getting something out of it and are ignited, then I feel really good about what I’ve done.”
Lee enjoys interacting with and connecting with youths through his performances and school visits, and said it is important to do so because “they are the future.” He plans to always be a performer to some degree, but ultimately hopes to be a mentor and encourage future generations of young performers.
“I love as the younger generations come up and they view me as a mentor,” Lee said. “I love that feeling of supporting people, coaching people, guiding people. As I transition more into my more mature years, I am becoming more of a coach and a mentor to people, and I have a desire to do that and to create more of that.”
Friday, he visited TCCHS Chorale teacher Nicole Davis’s classroom for a small presentation and Q&A session.
“When I was informed of Bronkar’s visit, I was excited for the students to have a chance to meet such an innovative performer,” Davis said. “I was so happy to hear his inspiring words to the students, and they were especially motivated by his stories involving his life experiences despite boundaries and failures. I am extremely thankful to Bronkar for sharing his passion and talent with us this week.”
At TCCHS Friday, Lee spoke about his background, how he got started in his unique area of performance art, and how important it is to foster young talent. He also offered encouragement to the young performers about embracing their gifts, not being afraid to fail, and not letting naysayers affect their feeling of self-worth or crush their individuality.
“Hopefully they are inspired to follow their passion, to be innovative, to be pioneers, and to just go for it, whatever that is,” he said.
TCCHS students who attended Lee’s performances and/or talks feel he succeeded in his mission.
Ridley said he did learn something important from Lee.
“I learned that it is totally okay to fail and that it helps us grow as people and allows us to become better prepared for success,” he said. “It (the experience) was really very rewarding and all around awesome.”
Brinson said Lee’s visit encouraged her.
“It encouraged me to be strong and stand in my beliefs about what I love,” she said. “He told me that no matter what people said about you, you have your life in your hands.”