Senior Alyssa Pracht Accepted To Play At Carnegie Hall

It’s undeniable that Waverly High School’s music program is absolutely impeccable - but what’s often overlooked is how many students excel in a musical aspect outside of the school setting.

WHS senior Alyssa Pracht has been playing the oboe since she was in fifth grade.

All her effort and practice has paid off in a new way, and she has found herself as one of 500 students that will get the opportunity to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. There were over 10,000 applicants from the United States and other countries.

When Pracht went through the band audition process in fifth grade, the oboe was ultimately what clicked with her.

“The oboe was the one instrument I was best at playing,” Pracht said.

Pracht took piano lessons at a younger age, which is what motivated her to take oboe lessons from an oboist that a friend had suggested.

“I knew what lessons could do to help me, and I did want to do better, so I took that opportunity,” Pracht said.

Alongside Pracht, her family is accompanying her in her journey to New York and will support her through the five-day period.

Freshman & sister of Alyssa, Kayla Pracht, takes some pride in what her sister has accomplished.

“I always knew she was pretty good, but this just proves the point,” Pracht said.

Those in her family aren’t the only ones who take notice of its significance.

“Alyssa is such a talented musician,” senior Laura Barry said. “She really deserves this.”

With the seniors’ high school careers wrapping up, they’re forced to think about what they want to pursue, but Pracht’s mind is already made up.

“I’m probably going to UNL,” Pracht said. “And I’m definitely going to major in music education.”