By Jillian Risberg 

For William Paterson University students Ben Lindenburg and Jit Chatterjee, invited to join The Disneyland All-American College Band after it recently returned from a two-year hiatus means they get to have the most magical summer of their lives. 

It’s also the best gift ever — given the great history of the program and important part of our heritage, along with the talent and energy that participants bring each year.

Chatterjee is thrilled to live a longtime dream at the Disneyland Resort while doing what he loves down Main Street USA.  

“It means a lot to be representing not only my university, but the state level on a national basis,” he says he was initially cast to be a part of the 2020 Disneyland College Band before the pandemic hit. “So I’m excited to finally be a part of the college band in 2022.”

The sound engineering arts/jazz drumming major is grateful to be featured in the 50th-year performances (the Disneyland tradition harks back to 1971), joining other top student musicians from across the country and working for ‘The Happiest Place On Earth.’ He calls it a surreal venture. 

“The best part is the camaraderie in the band and friendships I’m forming with all these amazing musicians,” says Chatterjee.

Benefits of being part of the AACB; it allows one to become a better performer and play and network with others who share their enthusiasm.  Those memories will last a lifetime. 

The talent spends 11 weeks as cast members, performing in Disneyland Park.

Chatterjee knows what an honor it was to land a spot (as snare drummer) — only 21 made the cut out of 350 musicians who auditioned.

The audition process was intense. 

“Disney’s mission statement includes the importance of storytelling,” says the drummer. “They try to seek out those individuals about why they do what they do. The audition included an instrument proficiency test, choreography test taught to us before we had to execute it, and an interview.”

Lindenburg echoed that sentiment.

He first learned of the Disneyland Band as an undergrad at University of Southern California (USC) and it sparked his interest. 

“Several mentors and peers of mine had been in the band and said it was the best summer of their lives, as well as a challenging musical experience,” says the baritone saxophone. “I thought, ‘say no more!’”

He calls it a fantastic time at Disneyland. “Thankful to all my bandmates and directors for making this such a special experience,” Lindenburg says. 

On opening day June 21, the 2022 band members shined their light on the Disneyland Resort, and performed three sets, including: When You Wish Upon a Star, Under the Sea, the Aladdin Medley and Goin’ Down the Bayou. 

This year’s Band represents musicians from 13 universities across 10 states, who range in age from 21 to early 30s.

From the minute Lindenburg (now studying for his Master of Music at WPU in Jazz Arranging/Composition, and performs in the region on saxophone in a variety of genres) got the news he made it, he couldn’t contain his elation. 

“So excited I’ll be working for the Disneyland All-American College Band this summer,” he says he urged everyone to come out and say hello.

The iconic Band has perfected its quarter notes and wonderfully crafted crescendos, as  members devote passion and presentation, even choreography to elevate their classic Disney performances.

According to Chatterjee, it’s much more than just playing sheet music. 

Learned in studio and live sound production, as well as world class live band performance, he knows what provides a diverse foundation. 

“It’s the showmanship,” the drummer says he loves Disney’s sets and director Linda Simmons’ creativity has a rhyme and reason that melds. “The work is a wonderful story.”

The Disneyland Band seemed a natural progression for Lindenburg.

Raised in the musical hub of Seattle; he plays tenor, alto, baritone and soprano saxophones, along with flute and clarinet. He attended Garfield High School, internationally renowned for its jazz band, with whom he traveled nationally to perform. And the accomplished musician co-wrote and scored Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy Award-winning miniseries, Little Los Angeles.

It’s exciting and special for this to become a reality and a pivotal moment when it comes to Ben and Jit’s musical journey.

“It’s such an honor to be part of the 50th anniversary band and the first returning band post-COVID,” says Lindenburg. “There were huge expectations for this band on the part of the Disneyland Resort, but the ensemble stepped up to the task and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.”

He says the musical directors of the band provide several clinicians for them to work with.

“Real titans of the LA recording industry — and it’s so beneficial to make these connections as we progress along our careers,” the baritone saxophonist says. 

The best part of this experience is making people smile. 

“It’s such an honor to get the opportunity to play each day; to continue the tradition of the college band inspiring younger generations,” says Lindenburg.

What drives Chatterjee’s musical passion is his love of performing and also being an inspiration to others who want to do what he is doing. 

“Every day I perform in front of thousands of people and it’s heartwarming to see all the little kids in the park transfixed on the band,” the drummer says. “Furthermore, as a person of color, I want to inspire those in a similar cultural background — because seeing this band might be their spark to go into music or follow their passion.”