Higher Ground, By Gia Miller, Connect to Northern Westchester
“It’s a story we all know. A group of high school kids form a rock band. They play at school events and local concerts. They’re typically the “cool kids” or the rebels, and they haven’t given any thought to what will happen after high school.
But we’d like to tell a story about a rock band that’s a little different. They’re well-liked among their peers at Fox Lane High School (FLHS), “A students,” active in the community and ponder their individual futures beyond high school. They’re also kind, driven and wise.
Please meet the five members of Guard Hill:
Madden Osherow
(junior, 17): lead guitar, vocals and harmonica
Osherow’s musical journey began at age six in his dad’s car to the tune of Hotel California. He immediately asked his parents for a guitar. He attended the School of Rock, and he also plays the harmonica and keyboard.
Other activities: FLHS rock ensemble, jazz band, cross country, Green Team environmental club, Envirothon and ski club volunteer
Influences: Tom York of Radiohead, John Frusciante – guitarist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Taylor Swift, Jaco Pastorius – solo artist and bassist for Weather Report,
Favorite song: “25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago
Hank Hearon
(sophomore, 16): drums, keyboard, guitar and vocals
Son of a mom drummer, Hearon began drumming at age seven at the School of Rock. He also plays the keyboard and sings.
Other activities: FHLS rock ensemble, soccer, hockey, lacrosse and Green Team environmental club
Influences: Grateful Dead, The Police, Coldplay and Dave Matthews, and “I’m really inspired by everyone.”
Favorite song: “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers
Ava Smith
(senior, 17): vocals
She credits her family for her love of music and her mother for her voice. Her first performance was in her seventh grade school musical (Little Shop of Horrors).
Other activities: FHLS rock ensemble, fashion club, Foxapella (the school’s female acapella group where she beat boxes, to the rest of the group’s surprise)
Influences: Olivia Rodrigo, Sia
Favorite song: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Jasper Sizer
(junior, 16): lead guitar, drums, keyboard
He credits everyone he’s “played guitar with over the years” for helping him hone his craft.
Other activities: FHLS rock ensemble, cross country, jazz band, Green Team environmental club, Science Olympiad, Envirothon and volunteer firefighter with the Bedford Fire Department
Influences: His biggest influence is John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers. “My amp settings are the same as John’s.”
Favorite song: “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers
Alena Mata
(junior, 16): bass
She grew up in New York City and attended a music-focused elementary school where she studied music three hours a day. As a child, she loved hearing her dad constantly blast music and seeing live music. She switched from guitar to bass a year ago.
Other activities: FHLS rock ensemble, pottery, philosophy club
Influences: Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, bassist Victoria De Angelis of the Italian rock band Maneskin
Favorite song: Danny California by Red Hot Chili Peppers
