The student population at Harriton High School has an abundance of talented musical artists that engage in a variety of activities sponsored by the school, such as singing in the school’s chorus, chorale, or a cappella, and playing instruments in the school’s orchestra or various bands. In addition, a number of Harriton students display their musical talents outside of school, such as Harriton sophomores, Jake Ohlbaum, Jeremy Levick, Zak Kivitz, and Lower Merion High School sophomore, Jack Lasher, as part of a band, known as Writer’s Block. Writer’s Block is a rock and alternative band, established in 2008, that plays original music throughout the Lower Merion area.
“We basically got started when I decided I wanted to start a band,” Jake Ohlbaum, who plays piano, guitar, and is the lead singer of Writer’s Block, told me. Ohlbaum had played with various friends previous to Writer’s Block, but was ready to make a commitment to one, steady band. When asked how he got involved with music in the first place, Ohlbaum responded, “I’ve been singing as long as I can remember and no one else in the band sings a lot, so that is how I became the lead singer.” He paused and continued, “I’ve been playing the piano and trumpet for about 6 years and I started teaching myself guitar about 2 and a half years ago.”
As for Jeremy Levick, who plays the bass, guitar, and piano, his parents played a role in his involvement with music. “My parents decided I should try an instrument when I was 7 or 8, so they signed me up for piano lessons and I stuck with [piano] pretty begrudgingly. When I was 13, I started becoming more and more into music and started appreciating the piano much more,” Levick said. His fondness of the piano spawned him to learn how to play guitar. Just last year, Levick started playing bass. He thought, “Wow this instrument is super funky and every band needs a bassist so why not pick it up?”
Lasher’s interaction with music was inspired by his sister. “I started taking piano lessons because my sister took them, and I really liked piano, so I started taking classical lessons.” Now, Lashner also plays the guitar, saxophone, and is interested in learning clarinet. When asked why he chose those instruments, he said, “I don’t really know why I started guitar lessons, but I took lessons and played acoustic guitar in a couple of ensembles. [Also,] I learned how to play saxophone for [the] school band.”
Kivitz has been drumming for around 8 years. “I started drumming at age 8, but I really started taking it seriously three years ago. Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band, Neil Peart of Rush, and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater really inspired me to take my drumming to the next step.”
Writer’s Block played its first shows at Narberth Park, Milkboy Coffee, and other small venues. To date, they have performed around ten shows. Most of the songs they perform are written by the guys themselves. “Most of [the songs] I write myself, but it varies. We also do some covers,” said Ohlbaum. Often, Writer’s Block covers Santana, Dave Matthews Band, and The Beatles songs. In addition, other influences are AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Led Zeppelin.
Senior Brooke LeWinter saw Writer’s Block play at a Battle of the Bands competition called “The Milk Cup” at Milkboy Coffee and told me, “Most of the bands were older, but Writer’s Block was awesome. I felt that the set they played was sincere and overall better than the bands with older musicians. Their maturity, focus, and sound are really impressive. All of the guys are very talented, and they have a lot of potential. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them perform again.”
Each member has favorite things about being apart of Writer’s Block. To Ohlbaum, it is all about the music. “Music is my life. I love making music. Enough said” Ohlbaum declared. Levick’s? “My favorite memory of being in the band was when we played at Narberth Park in front of most of my friends and family. It’s a pretty cool feeling,” he said. Lashner’s is playing shows. Kivitz joked, “I don’t have a favorite memory in particular except fighting Zico [the old guitarist] was pretty hilarious.”
The band would love to upgrade to larger venues and better quality recordings but right now they are focusing on playing music. “I think the most important thing when it comes to original music is finding a voice. Stay as diverse as possible because if you fall into a whole that lacks creativity, you’ll start getting put in the same pool as the Jonas Brothers,” says Ohlbaum.
Check out Writer’s Block at their next show which will be at Milkboy Coffee in Ardmore on Halloween. The band will be performing with Junior Matt Glick’s band, Yearly.
Lauren Fox
Spotlight Editor