Class of 2014
Obella Obbo
"People tell me that they can hear my laugh from across campus all the time," says Obella Obbo ’14. "It’s NBD: no big deal."
Obella is notorious not only for his laughter but also his bigger-than-life personality. Still, this fun-loving fellow would like to be known for something a little more serious: his music.
Obella first became interested in music as a chorister in high school. Looking forward to college, he wanted to learn more about music theory, but he was also interested in pursuing a psychology major. When Obella proposed the idea of a double major to his Washington College professors, they encouraged him. "My professors thought music and pyschology was an interesting combination that would lead to an intriguing senior thesis topic," says Obella.
A vocalist with WACappella and the College’s Vocal Consort, Obella is now taking voice and piano lessons as well as music theory. "These classes are really helpful for my musical development, and my teachers are absolutely excellent. They always go above and beyond for their students."
Obella is intent on a career in music therapy—a perfect marriage of music and psychology. He hopes to work with autistic children, using music as a means of furthering their development. He already has sights set on graduate school—to earn a master’s in social work and a doctoral degree in psychology—and his own clinical practice specializing in autistic music therapy.
Obella himself understands the power of music. During the WACappella concert last spring, his was invited to sing a solo of Coldplay’s "Viva La Vida." Even though he had briefly considered dropping out of the vocal ensemble, this performance "just felt right," he recalls. "Washington College has given me a new appreciation for music, which I didn’t think could happen for me considering how much I already love it."
Contact
E-mail: oobbo2@washcoll.edu
Campus Involvement
- Majors: Psychology and Music
- Concentration: Clinical Counseling
- Minor: Creative Writing
- Peer Mentor
- Member: The Revolution (a leadership group)
- Member: Service Council
- Member: Vocal Consort
- Member: WACappella
- Campus Jobs: student employee at the Office of Information Technology (OIT), student campus guide at the Office of Admissions
Why Washington College
I chose Washington College because it is small and has beautiful scenery, but more importantly because all of the professors I was introduced to during my visits and that I've encountered since are amazing!
Q&A
Hometown? Frederick, Maryland
High School? Tuscarora High
Favorite '90s song: Let Me Clear My Throat - DJ Cool, The Entire "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" CD, Uhh Ahh - Boys II Men... shall I go on? It's too hard to pick
Favorite Place in Chestertown? Other than just being down by the water, definitely the Lemon Leaf Cafe... It's quaint, not toooo expensive and absolutely delicious (where there is food is always a good place to make your favorite)
Mistake Freshman Year? Joining too many things and knowing nothing about Time Management coupled with crazy Procrastination... It's that simple
Favorite Disney Character? Either Pumbaa from the Lion King or the Ray from Princess and the Frog
Favorite Dance Move? Either the "Spongebob" or the "Pon De Floor" dance (ask if you don't know it. It's Great!)