The annual winter Chordbusters shows brought an end to the fall semester on Loyola’s campus. 

Before the grueling process of studying for finals, students were able to enjoy performances from Loyola’s acapella groups, the Chimes and the Belles.

With their final winter performance ending, seniors from the two groups are grateful for their time performing at Loyola, despite the roadblocks COVID-19 presented along the way. 

President of the Belles, Jackie Pineda ‘23 said, “Performing for the last time in the winter was super bitter sweet. This was supposed to be my seventh Chordbusters but it was only my third. I wish we had more time but I am so proud of what we were able to do.”

As Pineda finished her third Chordbusters, Nikki Otto ‘26 performed in her first. Otto claims she was nervous at first, but quickly focused on the fun she was having. 

“Before, I really didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I was obviously super nervous, but after we got done I was so excited and wanted to get back on stage and do it again. I realized all along there was nothing to be afraid of because you’re up there just having fun surrounded by such a supportive group of girls.” 

Selling out McManus Theatre on back-to-back nights, Chordbusters was as popular as ever. 

Even students who transferred out of Loyola came back to support their friends. Maria Clara Pereira, who transferred after her freshman year, made the return to Loyola to support her friends in the Belles.

Pereira said, “It was special for me, as a senior, to see my friends from freshman year on stage as the senior members. It was cool seeing their first winter Chordbusters in 2019, and then their last in 2022. It was really special, and a little sad.”

The Chimes and the Belles spent months preparing their show to give audience members the best experience possible. Ben Grossman ‘23, president of the Chimes, enjoys the hard work that takes place off stage almost as much as performing, as it improves the group’s skills and chemistry. 

“The best part of performing at Loyola has been getting together on stage,” Grossman said. “We start preparing months ahead of time and it’s a great way to not only develop musical skills but to get closer with the people we perform with.”

The two groups shared a variety of songs with the audience. Performing songs from different generations and genres, there was a little something for everyone. 

Some featured songs were “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, “We are Young” by FUN, and an Amy Winehouse medley. 

With the winter Chordbusters behind them, the Chimes and the Belles will begin working on their spring performance, which will mark the final show for seniors such as Pineda and Grossman. Otto, who just completed her first show, is anticipating the next just as much as the audience. 

Otto said, “I think about it all the time, how I cannot wait for the spring.” 

Follow both groups on Instagram: @loyolabelles and @loyolachimes 

Missed Chordbusters? Watch videos from The Belles and The Chimes on Youtube! 

Featured Image courtesy of Natasha Reyes.