As a liberal arts college, Colgate University prides itself on incorporating a diversity of interests from science, math, art, music and everywhere in between. More than the curriculum, however, Colgate is shaped by students — particularly, students with creative ambitions and the passion to see them through. This dedication is reflected in a variety of student bands like Chalant, a four-member rock group with the authentic and irreplaceable energy of college students. Chalant is made up of juniors Katie Bradley, Craig Arquiett, Andrew Tatela and senior Matt Walinski.
Chalant’s formation in the spring of 2024 epitomized Colgate’s diversity of interest and small-town charm.
“[Chalant] started with Craig and Andrew playing the guitar together, and then one day Craig zoomed up to me on his skateboard and miraculously knew I played the bass and asked me to join,” Bradley said. “From there, Andrew met Matt and we just started practicing and hanging out.”
Walinski continued explaining the formation of Chalant.
“The only member of Chalant I knew before the band came together was Andrew,” Walinski said. “We were in the band for a musical put on by Masque and Triangle during my sophomore year and his freshman year. Andrew introduced me to Craig and Katie and invited me to jam on some original songs they’d written.”
This twist of fate not only created a group of musical individuals but also formed the bonds of a lifelong friendship, which has shaped Bradley’s experience as a member of the band.
“My favorite part of the band is definitely the fact that they are my best friends,” Bradley said. “Genuinely, the friendship that we have with each other is so special, and I’m so glad to have met them. Every day I’m also just so impressed with how talented Craig, Andrew and Matt are, and that just makes me feel so lucky to get to play with them.”
Despite individual abroad programs putting a moratorium on Chalant’s quartet, it ultimately made their reunion that much sweeter.
“[My most meaningful memory is] definitely last spring when Matt came back from being abroad and we got to practice together again,” Bradley said. “We had a few fun gigs, including [a gig at] Clay Club, which was peak because Colgate students love a good basement, and it also just felt so good to play together again.”
The energy of the Creative Arts House at 80 Broad St., combined with Chalant’s eagerness to play together again, made their Clay Club gig one to remember.
“Our show in the Creative Arts House in the clay room is probably my favorite show we’ve done. It was such a fun atmosphere and I feel like Chalant as a band fully came into fruition there,” Walinski said.
Despite their busy schedules, Chalant members are united in a commitment to their craft.
“We try to practice at least once a week, working on new songs Craig and Andrew have written or learning new covers we shared with each other,” Walinski said. “When we get closer to gigs, we ramp it up to make sure we sound as good as we can.”
Like many residents of Gate House in the 2023-2024 school year, junior Abigail Fenton had the privilege of watching Chalant perform for the first time on the night of the “room return” tradition for the senior class of 2024. She fondly recalls the experience of watching Chalant perform in the Gate House common room alongside her roommates and fellow former Gate House residents.
“It was just such a cool experience,” Fenton said. “The energy was great, and the songs that they played were so good. It was such a nice way to bring a group of people together, and it is definitely one of my favorite Gate House memories from freshman year. I’m really excited to watch them perform again.”
An understanding of their fans’ interests is just one factor of Chalant’s success over the years, as well as their incredible covers and striking original pieces. On-campus recognition and a highly aesthetic Instagram account (@chalantband) makes following Chalant’s musical journey easy, and students interested in booking or attending a gig are encouraged to reach out directly or via social media.
