Nicole Kliest
Staff Writer
“Doo-doo” and “Mm-bop” are not the typical answer to what techniques and sounds a singing group produces. However, Won By One is not your typical singing group.
Won By One inspires pride and spirituality throughout Pepperdine’s campus. The group is an excellent asset to a Christian affiliated university. Won by One is an a cappella performing group that warms the hearts of many and inspires students on campus and followers of Christ nationwide.
This six-member group has made itself known around campus through performances, CD productions and of course, talented voices.
The group is comprised of six members: soprano Jessica Kloor; baritone Tim Byrne; bass Darnell Brisco; alto Lindsey Morgan; mezzo soprano Kelly Fuller; and tenor John Calhoun.
Won By One works with Jerry Rushford in Church Relations and Paul Long in Admissions. Its director is Alan Beard and the primary arranger and secondary arranger are Jeremy Johnson and Pete Wilson, respectively.
This group is interestingly diverse. Members come from different areas geographically, vocally and educationally. Senior Jessica Kloor knows first hand how important it has been to have a diverse group. “We have people with all different majors,” Kloor said. “Such as business, public relations, education and sports medication. They also have members from all over the United States and even Alaska.
Another important aspect of this group is their CD productions. They sell and distribute CDs to further their ministry. CDs can be ordered by contacting Church Relations.
As with other dynamic groups Won by One has many goals. “The goal of Won By One is to connect the Churches of Christ with Pepperdine,” Kloor said. “And spread the good news of Jesus Christ. We want to inspire and love people.”
Won By One keeps busy. During the school year, the group travels two to three weekends a month throughout California. They lead worship at churches, youth rallies and camps.
Their summer schedule is busy and exciting as well. The group travels for two straight months. “This summer we’ll be traveling to the East Coast and the South,” Kloor said. “In the past, members have gone to places like Florida, New Orleans and Palm Springs.” Another important incentive of these visits is to encourage students to come to Pepperdine.
Even with this vigorous schedule, each individual is able to manage their time between this group, school, friends and of course life. “Traveling three out of four weekends is time-consuming,” Kloor said. “But we all read a lot in the van.” It’s like with any other activity an individual is passionate about, if you really enjoy it you make time for it.
Stress and struggle inevitably come with everything in life, but for Won By One advantages outweigh the disadvantages. One significant advantage of being in this group is a scholarship sponsored by Church Relations and Admissions. Starting next year, this scholarship will cover all tuition.
“The benefits of this group also include growing spiritually and learning to share your faith with other people,” Kloor said. “Our testimony grows rapidly and we also get to encourage other churches.”
One of the main problems with being in Won By One is not having enough time to spend with other friends. “Also, I am a graduating senior,” Kloor said, “and I’m going on tour for two months this summer so it will set back my efforts to find a job.”
A hot topic regarding the Churches of Christ is the issue of musical instruments. Won By One does not use musical instruments because they are directly affiliated with the Church of Christ.
“We work around not using instruments with ‘doos’ and vocal percussion,” Kloor said, “which helps with tempo. The bass is very important also because it is the foundation of the song.”
Another debatable topic that Won By One deals with is the weekly Wednesday convocation. “Honestly I feel the worship at convocation is failing to do its job,” Kloor stated, “It’s uncomfortable for us to stand up there because the people leading worship aren’t technically supposed to instruct the attendees to stand and sing.”
“There needs to be revamping.” Kloor added. “We should either drop the singing or have students vote on it. The goal of it all is to bring everyone into a place of worship and it too often seems like a showcase.”
However, on the bright side, the future of Won By One has many great things in store. “This year three people are graduating,” Kloor said, “so there will be a huge opportunity for the group to bring in new people with fresh and different outlooks on the ministry.”
Prospective applicants can apply to become a member of the group as early as their freshman year. Lindsey Morgan, John Calhoun and Kelly Fuller have all been in the group since their freshman year.
There are a few steps prospective members must take in order to apply for this wonderful group. The applicant must complete an application via email and have two letters of recommendations. Also, the applicant must send in a videotaped audition that consists of three a cappella songs. One of the songs must be a previously recorded Won by One song and another song must be sang with a Won-By-One style introduction.
07-11-2006