ALEXIS SEBRING
Life Assistant
Everybody has heard him sing at one time or another in the group Won by One at Chapel. His harmony, melody and occasional beat–boxing captures many people’s attention – even those who do not want to be at the Wednesday morning gathering.
Senior Darnell Brisco, a native of Los Angeles, began singing with Won by One his sophomore year. He decided he wanted be a part of the group when he heard them at age 12. His dream came true, and he has been working with them for three years.
His experiences combine to create a unique song that influence the beat of his life.
Describe what Won by One is and your experience with it.
“It’s a six-person a capella group that goes out and we represent the school two to three weekends a month, as well as we do a two-month tour every summer where we have the chance to represent the school at different churches and youth rallies and camps, as well as special functions.
My first summer we did an East Coast tour, and we basically drove the bottom part of the U.S., the south, until we got to about Georgia, then we went all the way up the East Coast as far as New York City, then we zig-zagged through the Midwest on the way back.
My first tour we hit about 30 states in two months. During the summer we do about two to three weekends. We usually do about one full weekend, then we do somewhere only a couple hours away so we can leave on a Saturday night or Sunday morning.
But during the summer, generally, it’s a three to seven-hour drive in a day and just trekking around the U.S. and different places.”
What is beneficial about being inthis group?
“I’ve made a lot of random friends in a lot of random places, a lot of places in the south and the East Coast. I’ve never been to the New England area other than D.C. when I got in the group, so being able to go to New York and Connecticut and Vermont – that whole area – was really, really cool. And so we get a lot of cool experiences and we get to see the U.S. for all that it is.”
How long have you been singing?
“I’ve been singing all my life, I guess, in some shape or form. I haven’t done a formal group like Won by One until I got here, just singing in church and different activities and what not.”
Why did you start?
“I grew up in a household of music. Both my aunts sing and my parents always had music playing as a kid. I always grew up listening to a lot of Motown-type stuff.”
Do you like rapping or singing better?
“I definitely have a strong love for both. I definitely grew up listening to a lot of rap as well, and it’s something that’s really fun.
I learned how to beat -box as I rapped on the playground in junior high and high school, just messing around and free-styling with my friends. But I definitely have a big love for singing and that kind of music as well. I love them both.”
What are you doing after this year?
“I’m staying a fifth year. I’m still on scholarship so I’m staying. After I graduate I’ll probably go into advertising. I’m an intern at a marketing firm in Thousand Oaks right now. But if music was a possibility it’s definitely something I’d love to do. As for now I’m just enjoying it while I can.”
Who is your musical inspiration?
“Growing up as a kid I’ve always loved Michael Jackson, and I know that there are all kinds of ridiculous controversy surrounding him now. But I’m still going to hold to the fact that he’s the greatest performer of all time. He had all kinds of hits and eight Grammy’s on “Thriller” and millions and millions and millions of records sold. I always loved his music. But, I’d say I have a fairly eclectic taste of music. I liked Boyz II Men in junior high. I really liked that kind of R&B feel. I like all kinds of music.
I really like Stevie Wonder. He’s a big inspiration, too. He’s incredible with what he can do, especially being blind. But he’s incredible as far as the amount of talent and work and creativeness that goes into his music.”
What’s your motivation behind this dedication?
“Having the scholarship is nice for sure. But I heard the group for the first time when I was in about sixth or seventh grade and it just really grew on me. I just found a love for the group and for that type of music and it’s been something really cool to experience.
You get to see a lot of the country and you get to meet a lot of cool people. And you get to see how God’s working through the country.”
03-20-2008
