Prom is an event where Cubs and upperclassmen have fun and cherish their final moments of high school. It’s a symbolic representation of their finite youth and simply being with the people they love.

And although Prom can create these memories, it also creates a breeding ground for unbearable music. As the $20 band Loyola hired from LinkedIn started picking up their instruments, the once-powerful aura of the room vanished. As they became more lackluster and unskillful, Loyola students improvised for the special occasion. Because if staying until 10:30 PM is a requirement, they might as well wait it out without the trashy music.

Earplugs became the new plan—and the lifesaver—for having a more enjoyable time at Prom, vibing only with your friends while excluding the music entirely.

As students stocked up on earplugs, many had already planned their schemes from the beginning, and new business opportunities arose for the unprepared. Carlos de Santiago ’27, a student who attended Prom, reflected on his experience with the rumors and what happened when he was actually there: “The horrors I heard from the day before were unsurprisingly true. Holy #$%@ were they buns. It was a given that the ‘professional band’ the school hired was just a fraud, but man, that was *#@$%$& horrible. Not only was I protected, but I also made a mountain of money—because when I tell you those kids needed it, they needed it.”

Loyola students are done with mediocrity, and if the school can’t hire a good band, they’re not going to let that ruin their night. When Prom is something to look forward to, anyone will try anything to make it better—and for them, it starts with earplugs.

Kian Mauri Mangomang ’27, a junior who also attended the event, had a final statement: “10 packs for 4 dollars. Buy them a year early when they’re cheap. 3 dollars as a junior discount for my homies.”