Thomas Jefferson High School senior Layla Clark has become a local sensation after a video of her playing AC/DC’s classic “Thunderstruck” on mallet percussion went viral. The clip, originally posted last year, resurfaced on social media this week and quickly amassed millions of views, showcasing the talent nurtured within our community’s schools.
From practice room to internet fame
Clark told Action News 4 reporter Felicity Taylor that the video already had about six million views when a friend sent her the link. “I was like, aw, jeez,” she said, smiling at the unexpected attention. She emphasized that mastering the song was a long process. “It took forever to learn the song,” Clark explained. “I’m going to be really honest. I don’t even have it perfected yet.”
Celebrity acknowledgment
The viral moment took an extra leap when NFL tight end Travis Kelce, husband of pop star Taylor Swift, reposted the video and mentioned Clark by name. “I just found out getting on the bus today that Travis Kelce reposted my video and was talking about me, so that’s exciting,” Clark said. “That’s the first actual celebrity I’ve heard talking about my video.”
School community reacts
Students at Thomas Jefferson have taken notice. “I’ve heard people watching my video in the hallways, and they point and go, ‘Oh, that’s her,'” Clark noted. Her band director and fellow musicians praised her dedication, noting that her performance reflects the supportive environment the school’s music program provides.
Band’s recent showcase
During the school’s recent playoff win over Moon High School, the band performed a varied set that included selections from “The Wiz,” Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas,” and Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA.” The diverse repertoire highlighted the program’s commitment to both classic and contemporary music, giving students a broad artistic foundation.
Family and future plans
Clark credited her “band family” for her growth. “I wouldn’t be the same without my band. I’d probably still be, like, the super shy, nervous kid,” she said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without them.” Looking ahead, Clark plans to attend college next fall to study exotic veterinary medicine, hoping her future school will also have a band program where she can continue to develop her musical gifts.
Why this matters to the community
Stories like Clark’s illustrate the positive impact of strong school programs and family support on youth development. In a time when many communities grapple with budget cuts to arts education, Thomas Jefferson High School’s music department stands as a testament to the value of investing in creative pursuits. The viral success also brings positive attention to the Pittsburgh area, reminding us that talent can emerge from any hallway or practice room.
As the video continues to circulate, Clark remains humble and focused on improvement. “I’m still working on it,” she said, “but I’m grateful for the love and encouragement from my classmates, my family, and now even a few famous faces.”
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
