Over Halloween weekend, a video showing a Pittsburgh-area high school mallet percussionist performing Australian rock band AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" alongside her marching band sparked viral attention across social media.
The video shows Thomas Jefferson High School senior Layla Clark playing a keyboard percussion instrument during a performance that took place last season, according to the West Jefferson Hills School District. Clark, along with other percussionists, led the band in the opening 45 seconds of "Thunderstruck" before other instruments joined in to play the rest of the song.
The video went viral on X, with an initial Oct. 30 post by user @RonnieAEvans amassing 5.3 million views by Nov. 3. Over the following days, the video continued
to circulate online, with numerous other users sharing it across social media.
See Pittsburgh-area high schooler's viral performance of 'Thunderstruck'
Pittsburgh-area student's performance draws attention of creatives
The video of Clark drew the attention of musicians and other creatives, according to TribLIVE. Composer John Mackey shared the video to Threads, saying Clark was a "ROCK STAR." Film producer Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, shared the video on X, saying, "I hope Layla Clark walks into school on Monday like the absolute legend she is."
West Jefferson Hills School District shared the video to their social media, saying it had been shot last season and that Clark is now a senior.
"What an incredible spotlight on Layla and the talent of our Jaguar Marching Band!" the district said. "Jaguar pride is reaching millions!"
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Viral video shows Pittsburgh-area student playing AC/DC song on xylophone
