Staff Writer- Alex Ogle

This week’s Gustie of the Week is Sophomore Will Prahl. As an ambitious second-year student, Prahl majors in vocal music education, minors in English, and hopes to earn an honors in conducting. Prahl has dedicated himself to many of the on-campus music organizations and activities. Currently, Prahl is the co-president of the St. Lucia Singers, treasurer of the Future Music Educators Association (FMEA), a vocal music assistant, coordinator of the Handbell Choir in the Chaplain’s Office, participates in the Handbell Choir, and is part of two a capella groups: Legacy and Kaleidoscope. 

Ever since high school, Prahl has had a deep connection with the music scene at Gustavus. All throughout high school, Prahl was involved in show and curricular choir, all of which was directed by Gustavus alumni. Since then, Prahl wanted to be a choir director and had a familial connection to campus (as his grandfather attended here), so he thought the school would be the perfect place for him to develop his musical prowess. 

As he has spent time here, Prahl has grown an appreciation for the less musical aspects of campus as well. He loves the community he is in, where all the activities he does are welcoming and enjoyable, and that is because of the college’s size; he is able to get to know many people. All of this together has created an accepting space where Prahl feels like he can thrive. 

“I’m in so many activities, and they all are welcoming and enjoyable. I get to wave to people on campus and I don’t feel like people are that judgmental here,” Prahl comments. 

These activities, Prahl states, have had a lasting impact on him and his love for music. The best part of Prahl’s day is often practicing with the St. Lucia Singers, as well as practicing with the Handbell Choir. The St. Lucia Singers perform in Christmas in Christ Chapel, which Prahl has excitedly been preparing for. The hard work he puts in every day in these groups allows him to feel confident in his musical abilities. 

“Lucia is a highlight of my day, or week. It’s fantastic, and our music right now, it’s so fun and a little bit challenging, so I’m very excited about that,” Prahl states. 

Prahl has not expected the vast amount of opportunities he has had in these groups to flourish as a musical leader. He never thought he would become co-president of the St. Lucia Singers, but now enjoys leading warm-ups, planning events, and making sure everything flows smoothly. It has given Prahl a glimpse into what his future as a musical educator might look like.

All the people in Prahl’s various activities have helped him to become the determined and confident person he is today. Specifically, Prahl appreciates his roommates, Sophomores Moraya Patsy and Gloria Armstrong, as well as his co-worker Jodi Maas at the Chaplains Office. Both groups have helped Prahl learn to communicate effectively, learn about the surrounding and accepting community, and overall, to become a better person with each new day.

“They’re just perfect. They make me want to be a better person and have helped me figure out how to communicate in different ways,” Prahl says in reference to his roommates.

Prahl’s roommates, along with Assistant Director of Church Relations Jodi Maas, constantly have positive interactions with him and his enthusiasm for music. Prahl’s roommate Patsy has seen how his dedication and positive energy influence the music department and various organizations every day. Patsy believes that Prahl’s passion for music and kindness to all will bring him far in life, and lead to great accomplishments that she hopes to witness. 

“Will is going to excel at whatever he does in the future, and I’m gonna do whatever I can to be there when it happens,” Patsy said.

Maas takes note of Prahl’s leadership qualities and how they have influenced the Chaplains Office. Particularly, Maas notices how Prahl’s initiative and positive attitude have made her days at the office brighter. Overall, Prahl’s ability to connect and lead others has had a lasting impact on the people in his Gustavus family.

“My time working with Will has been a bright spot. He manages to make the office a much more vibrant place for everyone. I can honestly say I enjoy every day he is in the office,” Maas said.

As he goes on to the next half of his Gustavus career, Prahl aspires to continue his positive influence on Gustavus music realm, as well as gain from it. He hopes that in addition to learning through his musical groups, he can learn as much as possible through his teachers in the classroom, who have helped him to truly understand the more theoretical part of his major. Combining and using his skills after graduation, Prahl aims to become a choir conductor for elementary or high school students, showing kids the importance of music as all his teachers and directors taught him. 

While Prahl is still bringing smiles to the hill, he encourages others to do the same for themselves. He lets people know that if they ever want something to brighten their day, they can stop by his dorm window to see his beloved cat, Pippin, who sits in the sill watching the Gusties go by. But, in order to brighten your whole Gustavus experience, Prahl says, joining an organization on campus is crucial. Prahl believes that by joining an organization on campus, one builds connections that do not come so easily otherwise. 

“If you join an activity, you have one thing in common with everyone there,” Prahl comments.

Prahl has truly taken the Gustie spirit of involvement to heart, participating in everything with hard work and positive attitude. Not only will Prahl’s presence influence Gustavus, but also every person that comes across his path, who will soon know the bright and passionate person that can bring laughter and smiles to every space–music or otherwise–that he’s in.