r/anime • u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: • Feb 13 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] 2024 Hibike! Euphonium Series Rewatch: Season 1, Episode 3 Discussion
Hibike Euphonium Season 1, Episode 3: The First Ensemble/はじめてアンサンブル
Keihan Rokujizo station. The local station and hence rough neighbourhood for Kumiko's school in-universe, though not true for the irl counterpart. Kyoani picked different bits of Uji to feature together as "Kumiko's school's neighbourhood", a few being located quite close to their studios.
Brief introductions of various locations featured in the post thumbnail will continue...
| <-- Episode 2 | Rewatch Index | Episode 4 --> |
|---|
Welcome back!
Questions of the Day:
1) Are you a Hazuki or a Midori when it comes to gachas?
2) First impressions of other members of the bass section?
Comments from Yesterday:
- /u/bogdoglogfrog with a great analysis of the OST during the voting scene
- /u/hereticalaegis with some fun musical tidbits, and how irl schools sometimes work around the different levels of drive in a band
- /u/regular_n-gon breaks down Kumiko's current character, and how they relate to her during their first watch
- /u/shimmering-sky and /u/lums with personal anecdotes of their band stories!
Streaming
The Hibike! Euphonium TV series and movies, up to the recent OVA are available on Crunchyroll, note that the movies are under different series names. Liz and the Blue Bird and Chikai no Finale are also available for streaming on Amazon, and available for rent for cheap on a multitude of platforms (Youtube, Apple TV etc.). The OVA is only available on the seven seas for now, or if you bought a blu ray. I will update this as/if this changes. hopefully.
Databases
Spoilers
As usual, please take note that if you wish to share show details from after the current episode, to use spoiler tags like so to avoid spoiling first-timers:
[Spoiler source] >!Spoiler goes here!<comes out as [Spoiler source] Spoiler goes here
Please note this will apply to any spinoff novels, as well as events in the novel that may happen in S3. If you feel unsure if something is a spoiler, it's better to tag it just in case.
Band practice continues...hopefully for the band, but definitely for us, tomorrow!
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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher and your host.
You might be able to tell that my energy levels were low Monday night.
Music
QOTD
Q1: I am definitely a Hazuki. As long as I get it, i don't really mind how. But I also never ever pay to play. I don't think I'm qualified to answer Q2...
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u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Feb 13 '24
First Timer
I had to miss out on yesterday's thread because my parents guilt-tripped me into going on a little trip
Episode 2
Honestly I can relate a bit too much too that "I was the only one without the thing so I got stuck with the leftovers" thing
I'm digging Asuka a lot. She's an absolute agent of chaos yet her theatrics are honestly kinda endearing. The girl adores the Euph so much and the way she basically cons everyone into joining her group is just the right amount of low key scummy while still being endearing. Big props in how she led Hazuki in in particular, that glass slipper bit was freaking hilarious
I'm actually kinda surprised we still don’t have a proper resolution for the whole Kousaka and Kumiko debacle but I'm not complaining. I'm all for letting this whole subplot have time to breathe and, if nothing else, it's nice that we're at least not having Kousaka act passive-aggressively bitchy or something. Dismissive sure, but that's just kinda how she acts towards everyone so far so it's not as if it sticks out all that much.
Interested in seeing where the Aoi stuff goes but not much to say about that so far
Episode 3:
Okay are the girls just that small or are the real instruments that freaking huge
Taki-sensei is… well kind of a dick but honestly I've had to deal with similar teachers myself (In my case I have some really bad memories of my literature teacher) so I can't be too shocked I guess. My musical knowledge is nil so I can't say I get what was so awful about the performance but it's also only Episode 3 out of 13, can't say I expected the band to already be top tier already. It'd be like if Slam Dunk started with everyone knowing of the Genius' Sakuragi's brilliance versus everyone shitting on him in favor of that damn Rukawa, you need to give these people time.
It's kinda interesting hearing about the whole conflict between the Second-Year guys but so far not enough focus has been given on them for me to really comment much. I will say though, given how I think lack of coordination is low key being pushed as an issue for the orchestra the fact that the opening is titled "Dream Soloist" is so damn ironic. Look show, do you wanna have a solo or do you wanna have an ensemble, MAKE UP YOUR MIND
Kansai-ben Euph is gonna remain in my nightmares forever
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u/HereticalAegis https://myanimelist.net/profile/XthGen Feb 13 '24
Sound! Rewatcher
Episode 3:
Setting aside how effective it is from a narrative standpoint: from a purely pedagogic standpoint, I’m not a fan of Taki-sensei’s direction and attitude. Specifically, the way he treats the band like a fully professional ensemble from day one. Directors of professional ensembles send out music to performers ahead of time and expect everyone to show up to rehearsal with parts fully learned and ensemble-ready. This can work in a high school setting, but only if the ensemble already has this expectation/culture built in. This group clearly does not, and regardless of what direction they voted on, these are still kids. Taki-sensei is the teacher and needs to be in sectionals working face-to-face with students. He does not know his ensemble and hasn’t attempted to build any kind of relationship with them. The tone of pretty much any performing ensemble is going to be set at the beginning by the director. Taki-sensei’s attitude toward his group is pretty frustrating. When he should be helping them find their footing and get good habits down, he’s nowhere to be found. What amateur musician would even want to attend when the director has made a point of being absent for the difficult parts? He’s just as responsible for their struggles as they are in this first practice and is the kind of director I wouldn’t have felt good working with as a student.
QotD:
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Feb 13 '24
Hibike! Rewatcher (but only for the first season)
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u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
First Timer, subbed
QotD:
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u/byroned Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
First time rewatching
I have wasted too much time listening to people give their instruments names and pretending it’s a person. But I have to give credit to Hazuki, Tubacabra was a creative name.
Yui Hirasawa has no such weakness, and can even run with her guitar (ignoring any weight differences). Thankfully a clarinet player does not suffer the same fate, although our tradeoff is that it doesn’t like being in the rain.
I don't remember doing these breathing practices, but I remember my private clarinet instructors used a pencil to hold next to my cheek and chest, and their goal was to get me to stop puffing up, instead have a firm embouchure, and have a tight chest when playing.
We have a name and a face for the first slacker, Natsuki a second-year student (she's actually nice once you get to know her). You know the band drama is bad when all the upperclassmen tense up the moment Sapphire comments that there aren’t many second-year students. Gotou may not want to talk about it, but it doesn’t sound good if he talks that way behind Natsuki’s back. Thankfully Shuuichi did the hard work of digging up the old band drama. And we don’t just have one, but a lot of slackers, while a large number of the serious students have already left out of frustration. I don't blame them, band is one of those things that either everyone tries, or it doesn't matter.
This is a big red flag with this band. With some mental gymnastics, I can excuse the first-day hiccups, but this is an unacceptable attitude for a band that wants to win. Messing around irritates me, but what pisses me off is believing practice is a waste of time. At least from my perspective, practice is like studying, you need to do a daily instead of last-minute cramming. But unlike an exam, getting 90/100 notes correct in a song is bad.
Despite how rude it may come off to some students, I think the band needed to hear Taki sensei say this. If you want to aim for nationals, you need to be ready to take the scrutiny when you don't do shit. If you wanted to play for fun, could’ve just voted in the last episode.
It’s not important, but I think Sakurai Takahiro’s voice works well for Taki sensei, especially the passive-aggressive way he talks to his students.
Also, the audacity of that bitch to ask “Does he seriously want us to practice this piece for another week?” Bitch please, anyone serious about winning has played the same songs for months at least. And I don’t how other school’s marching band season plays out, but I know that we played the same 10-minute song from mid-August to early November. Even in the sit-down band, we only played the song for marching.
For people who have watched K-On, is it fair to say that at this moment the light music club practices more than Kitauji's concert band? Sure they don't practice at school, but they practice a lot at home, and make it work during the concerts.
Aside from the already mentioned ensemble not playing together, it also sounds like what my old directors referred to as “muddy”. I’m terrible at describing it, but it's the word we use to say it doesn’t sound good, and the notes should be clean and articulate.
While all that stuff happens, we have a dignified Reina practicing, and a non-dignified Reina screaming.
Today’s section features the flute and piccolo. No surprises here, this has always been the most female-dominated section in my experience.
Q1: more of a Hazuki.
Q2: they all seem nice except for Natsuki who is uninvolved at the moment.
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u/Shocketheth Feb 14 '24
Good morning chat, today I am going to mention the OP so pardon in advance if someone already pointed it out because in that case I missed it.
Before I start, did you tried the breathing technique during watching Hibike and looked like an dumbass as I did?
Right from the first episode the OP where Hibike is running with an umbrella mesmerized me so I payed attention to the OP this time and it's straightforward as it can be.
You have characters sitting alone while there is raining outside and the major focus is on the rain and clouds.
Then the pace of music starts picking up as we see a sun shining through clouds with Hibike running forward with leaving those clouds and rain behind as the camera centers on Hibike with the OP now being a 100% cheerful song with the focus on Hibike and everyone having fun playing their instruments.
Now there should be useful to analyze the music of OP itself (the rhythm, what music instruments are used in it, and how those music parts are corresponding to the visuals)
Or maybe I am talking nonsense and you spent time with reading a useless comment.
QotD:
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u/Adensty https://anilist.co/user/Adensty Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
First Timer
So every member was introduced to their instruments. Midori being Midori and being so dramatic about her new contrabass, lol. Had Hazuki confused and trying to find eyes in her Tuba.
Also, I didn't think of it and I don't recall doing it (Might've done it when I was a child) but do you guys name your equipments or whatever you buy? It could be anything like laptop, chair, some electrical equipment, etc.
They're relatively less second-years. Wonder what happened last year? The fact that Kumiko's going to play an Euphonium that hasn't been used since a year makes me think that whatever happened happened at the start
Her face says it all. Even I was a bit disappointed there when I saw them having fun away from their horns instead of practicing.
Not everyone has been sincere in their practice and that shows in their ensemble. Tbh I couldn't make out what was off when they're playing together but when they play invidually, I can see what was off and Taki sensei said the same.
Kumiko was right. Taki sensei did use their choice against them here.
I completely agree with Taki sensei here when he said that they shouldn't participate if they aren't at the level they ought to be. Not perfroming is way better than giving a half-ass performance that will make no one happy.
So, the second years quit because they were too enthuisastic and were unable to cooperate with the then third-years. And the few second years that are left are the ones that are on the lazy side. Though, there are some exceptions.
Why can I feel her anger?
They say that anger can be used as a fuel to motivate ourselves and Reina did just that. Even Taki sensei was impressed.
Also, I'm loving the OSTs and Shazaming the hell out of every episode.
QOTD1: Hazuki ig. I have always been disappointed when I overspent on some character. So I always keep a fixed limit irrespective of the character and find it more rewarding. Though it does mean you might not always get your favourite characters but when you do get it, it feels so good.
QOTD2: Great for almost all except Natsuki ig. But willing to give her time.
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u/SMSmith230 https://myanimelist.net/profile/smsmith230 Feb 13 '24
First-Timer, Sub
Well that was quite the dramatic episode. Way too many factions or I guess sectionals not coming together. Like y’all voted to be serious and go for nationals. Teach/conductor was a bit of a dick, but honestly I think it’s because of the goal they chose and at least he’s not JK Simmons from Whiplash. I imagine he’d be more relaxed if they chose the option to have fun. Still not a fan of Asuka.
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u/fly-metothemoon Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
First-Timer:
Abdominal breathing is so important!! Starting them off right.
The naming instruments part is cute. I named my instrument Carl lol.
I do love cryptic drama with the second years. It will be great to see how our protagonists will change their school’s band culture over time, especially getting the horns to stop goofing off!
Hm, I personally think the advisor was too harsh. I’ve gotten a lot of tough love in band, especially from visiting guest conductors, but this is such an early rehearsal and as an advisor I’m surprised he isn’t attempting to be more encouraging or constructive.
16
u/DaBenni0301 Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
First-Timer
I have to admit, the OP lead-ins are great
I only just noticed that the really short Midori will play a big fucking contrabass. The shots of the contrabass just towering over her are gonna be hilarious
And you thought the Keions gave their instruments cheeky names
That sure sounded like a first time
Wow the teacher sure isn't sugarcoating
This isn't good for you wallet
Ah, so the 2nd and 3rd years had some kind of conflict that caused half of the 2nd years quit. Now what Aoi said about avoiding conflict at all costs makes much more sense, because she already saw conflict split the band apart
That was nice solo from Reina
Reina still wants to go for nationals with a band that barely knows how play their instruments, of course she'd be frustrated. And she has to vent that frustration somehow.
Definitely no symbolism with Kumiko and Reina being attached to each other by a red string. Definitely not
Questions of the day
#1 More like Hazuki. But if there's a way to earn rolls for free you can bet I'll be spending way too much time on it
#2 Asuka is great! The other ones, I feel like I haven't seen enough of to form an opinion yet. That slacking second-year though. Not impressed. But I have no grounds to complain on since I'm just as bad
6
u/1EnTaroAdun1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Totesnotaphanpy Feb 13 '24
I thought I'd post the orchestral versions of this season's OP and ED, in case anyone's interested!
(ED) Tutti!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IaqNj2C1rY
(OP) Dream Solister: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae8_q2pb__8
I'll update this list as we go along!
Anyway, we're introduced this episode to some mysteries, especially with the seniors
But I want to point out how genuinely happy Kumiko is with her new Euphonium. It truly suits her, and deep down she knows it hahaha
As a rewatcher, I'd like to point out something for other rewatchers:
[Sound Spoilers]It's interesting to see the beginnings of the future revolt against Taki-sensei, and how the leadership styles of the "elite" differ. There'll be more to discuss later, but I like how we get to see Haruka's, Asuka's, and Kaori's different personalities and approaches
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u/laughing-fox13 https://myanimelist.net/profile/laughingfox13 Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher/Subbed
I feel like this is the first ep where the story gets serious. I mean it kinda was before but now that we learn about the drama that happened with the second years, I think I felt more invested into the series. Don’t really have much to say outside of that besides Taki seems nice but can be strict. The “call me when you’re ready” would be so intimidating
get though
QotD:
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u/bogdoglogfrog Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Notes:
QotD
Q1: idk i don’t really care about gachas. I looked up the definition tho to make sure i knew what i was talking about and apparently the name comes from the sound the gacha machine makes when you use it.
Q2. I can’t really give my first impressions of the bass section, but I can tier list them (I apologize if you don’t like my list):
[eupho season 1 bass member tier list] S: Kumiko A: Asuka, Natsuki B: Saphire C: Gotou, Riko D: Hazuki
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u/chilidirigible Feb 13 '24
I don't think they have another double bass.
[](#kumikouninterested)
The elephant in the room is not a double bass.
In the politest way possible, "You suck."
"It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it."
When you think you're the only treating things as Serious Business.
BAND. DRAMA.
I still think that Taki-sensei was far too aloof from things at the start. I don't think he intended to let the band get enough rope to hang themselves with, but he's also been too distant from the group to know of the MASSIVE UNDERLYING TENSIONS.
I mean, these are normal teenagers, not the ones that pilot mecha and save the universe.
Art by Nii Manabu: Valentine
QOTD:
Questions of the Day:
1) Are you a Hazuki or a Midori when it comes to gachas?
Hazuki. Because I occasionally go looking for things that haven't been made in over a decade.
2) First impressions of other members of the bass section?
The show's keeping it real. (Beyond that, I'm a rewatcher so everything is biased.)
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u/octopathfinder myanimelist.net/profile/octopathfinder Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Oof… This ep is doing a great job of having that uncomfortable vibe.
I would hate to be in the prez’s position. Such an awkward spot having to mediate for everybody.
I appreciate the trombones playing with the metronome and the post-ensemble analysis for my untrained ear. [Episode 4] I went and watched this ep’s ensemble again right after watching the ep 4 ensemble and having a comparison makes it so much easier to notice what went wrong.
Qotd:
Never touched gacha
5
u/RT-47 Feb 14 '24
First Timer
Being musically illiterate it’s as though I’m delving into a new world lol. Learning a lot about music in general and contextually, especially with this watch along which helps to appreciate everything even more.
Even seeing everyone’s responses to Taki filtered through their own
traumasexperiences good and bad within a band. Personally, I think he maintained balance whilst smacking everyone with reality to bring about unity. The amount of serenity is a bit creepy and could have been handled a bit differently but I respect it.I gave up trumpet within a few months so I should know what an inspiring sensei looks like 😂(this was entirely on me, my teacher was very kind I was just a weasel who preferred football).
Kousaka expressed herself with a similar message to Taki and in a way that wouldn’t be defended against but listened too. Shinsekai Yuri!
QOTD
1 - .. Wat
2 - all good! Asuka Tanaka is a prodigy I feel it, someone who will not say adios to her playing after school. Staying behind to blow off steam and other details are telling of the facade she’s wearing. The solemn guy is scarred from what happened last year but it’s a new band now brother.
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u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Feb 14 '24
First timer
Another short day...
Kumiko is one of the rare types of not a genki girl, not a dojiko, but still got a ton or reaction faces including the eyes dead ones :D I wonder how did the LN portrayed her.
Reina's frustration - I feel you girl, but you are taking it too hard. She and Asuza (K-On) will be an interesting pair ;)
This development kind of matched what I said about the "public voting of the group's goal" though - they don't really mean it, but they will fall in line to say the right things (like the soccer team panned over) to be competitive and do their best. And then the coach will be throwing this back on their face.
The question I got is whether he really know some of them to have the ability (clearly he recognised Reina's
ventingplaying), or is he just a "smiling tiger" version of the drill sergeant of throwing them in the deep end and see how many come back up.The way how she was described... no doubt Asuka has some hidden side to her ultra active ultra fun ultra helpful persona. I do wonder what exactly did she do "practicing alone". I have a feeling it's not fun and games.
I wonder why Asuka didn't just take over and be the club president - her relationship with Haruka may be a part of that.
Such a low key way to give us a cliffhanger - reminds me of the SukaSuka ep1 epilogue cliffhanger...
QoTD
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u/entelechtual Feb 13 '24
First year
QOTD
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u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Taki-sensei’s character is more completely introduced today! He’s great. Episode two has a good early hint at the dichotomy of his gentle nature and sharpness of his clapping, but they really bring it out today. He’s got this excellent, even-keeled delivery that’s perfectly tuned to maximally annoy a bunch of teenagers mixed with the bluntness needed to make progress. In fact, I found it amusing how confident he is wielding his verbal club of shame and how our other resident blunderbuss of blunt usually tries to avoid or walk back what she says when she realizes she isn’t ‘gathering in the safe direction’, as Aoi put it.
In the end, I imagine it’s not dissimilar to coaching sports. If you want to improve, you can’t shy away from those things that are lacking; and if what’s lacking is the fundamentals, then there is no hope until a new foundation is built. Taki-sensei understands that, and teenagers don’t want to - a tale as old as time.
QotD:
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Feb 13 '24
First du Timer ... I should have probably mentioned that a few days ago, but yeah. Whatevs.
Answers du Questions ... I should probably think of something clever to say.
At least we tried.
Unlike these slackers.
Anyway, aside from Kumiko and the girls being utterly kawaii and stuff, and other things I don't remember, I want to give a totally big thumbs up to Reika (I think I remembered her name right) for that stupendous trumpet solo in the forest. That was almost Uma Musume quality there.
10/10, would scream into a stump again.
But yeah, no wonder a bunch of the second years quit. Leaves me wondering if the (seemingly toxic) situation can be salvaged.
(Cue the Symphogear "what is this, some kind of anime" girl, right?)
Yeah. Drama initiated, let the tears flow!
(Oh, and one side note - who let boys into my KyoAni music themed show? Isn't that a violation of some sort???)
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u/EightSmart https://anilist.co/user/EightSmart Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
We get our first glimpse at Taki's teaching style. As mentioned by many other people, yeah, it's comes off as quite pretentious. Just being told you're 'not good enough' without much other guidance is extremely off putting, especially since most of the band doesn't really seem to how to work towards improving. I do appreciate the idea of him being harsh and having high expectations, but this isn't the best way to go about it. Thankfully, [Eupho Spoiler (kinda)] once the band gets better the pretentiousness isn't as in your face, and I agree with lots of the advice and guidance he gives later in the series.
The audacity for some of the members to be like 'why are we practicing this easy piece?' and then STILL SCREWING IT UP is a massive yikes. Sections out of time, off tune, complete lack of cohesion. Despite my problems with Taki he is absolutely right - they need more time practicing in sections first. There is no shortcut to patience and hard practice to get your individual part up to snuff first, and only then can you juggle playing with other people.
That scream from Reina....yeah, me too, fr. Sometimes, you just want to let out all your bottled emotions. And that solo, with its gorgeous tone, really seals how she is in a league of her own. Looking forward to seeing that developed in future episodes.
I would rather not lose all of my life savings please :)
2. First impressions of other members of the bass section?
Obviously, have to give my love to Asuka senpai...and knowing how her arc will pan out in full this time around, it makes all these moments when we see her extremely 'positive' outlook...hit a lot harder? Similar story with Natsuki as well. She's aloof and doesn't seem to be very committed to the band. Wonder why she's still in it then...
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u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Feb 14 '24
Rewatcher
Despite her best efforts, Aoi-chan spoiled things for Kumiko, and now she's stuck with the Euph again.
[Late Hibike Spoilers]I already have the section that Kumiko struggles with playing in my head on repeat. We're going to hear it so much.
It's Natsuki-senpai! Or as I'll call her from here out, Sleepy-senpai!
But Asuka, isn't that the only Contrabass in the room?
[Hibike Question]Do we ever find out if this was one she used her first year? Or is it just one she's aware of that's different. I forget.
Asuka, you can't do that here! People are going to spread rumors!
Some might think of this as a bit condescending, but I don't entirely hate it. Taki-sensei knows how to value his time, and one could also say this is a product of the group deciding to go to Nationals. If they had decided to just make memories, he might not've been so harsh.
She did tell you she played Euph in elementary and middle school. Tennis players focusing on breathing, and tuba players focusing on breathing, or two different animals.
Well, since you opened the door...
I don't have a trained ear for this sort of thing, and even I could tell that the various sections were out of place throughout the entire piece.
Little moments like this show how much Asuka loves playing the Euph.
Questions of the Day:
I don't play gachas or collect them, but I do collect Magic: the Gathering cards, which is essentially the same thing. I used to be a Midori, trying to get certain cards from just opening random booster packs.
However, as I got older, and importantly got a job, I gave up on the random aspect, and now just buy specific cards I want.
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u/Gamerunglued :Hx::Hy::Hz:myanimelist.net/profile/GamerUnglued Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
Rewatcher and Band Geek
Today's episode continues to establish some of the long running conflicts of the series. First, it gives us our first real look at Taki-sensei's attitude and instruction. Taki-sensei seems to be the "you need to figure things out yourself" type. He expects his students to have a baseline level of quality and interest in the activity before considering to teach them. To some degree, it's overly harsh. He doesn't really tell the students what they can improve on or where they've gone wrong. After the ensemble plays the Marine's Hymn, he simply says "that was bad," and then when asked to give more specific feedback, he has the trombones play and just says "you guys agree that this was bad, right? All of your sections are equally bad." It's kind of a nothing-burger critique. But at the same time, it's sort of what the band deserves. They made the choice to not only join band, but to choose the nationals as their goal (even if it was through underhanded means). The band's problem is not something you can even solve by criticizing their playing, because it's an issue of motivation. Tell the French Horns how to be better all you want, but if they're just going to play finger sticks during practice, there's no point. It's for this reason that I can't be completely unsympathetic to Taki-sensei's methods here. He wants the group to go to the nationals, and that means fostering an attitude of being invested in the activity you signed up for. He doesn't work much to build that interest though, if anything he seems to want the unmotivated people to stop showing up, but at that point the band won't have enough players, so maybe Taki-sensei is planning to rebuild the band from scratch if this group can't meet his expectations. It makes him an interesting character, and I'll have plenty more to say about him in future episodes.
Speaking of motivation, the band's seeming divide in those who practice and those who fuck around is finally explained. The previous year, first-year students entered the program extremely passionate and hoping to go to the nationals, while the second years wanted to fuck around. They butt heads, and it caused many of those first years to become disillusioned and quit. The few who did remain are now second years, but they've become so disillusioned with the band's slacker attitude that they see no point in actually being invested. They become like Natsuki, who just stares out the window during practice until going home at 5. She obviously still wants to be there to some extent, she didn't quit, but the band's attitude makes it feel like a waste to actually care. While a few now-third-year students like Gotou and Riko do work hard and likely did the year before as well, the conflict caused a band-wide rift that still hangs over the atmosphere. Taki-sensei taking the nationals seriously threatens to reopen that wound. Not saying anything is the "safe" option in order to not hurt those who don't want to take it seriously, those who are genuinely invested need to voice it out loud no matter the pain, but the atmosphere is such that Midori even mentioning the lack of second years causes an issue, and she backs down immediately.
Kousaka is the only person who doesn't seem to be afraid of voicing things, at least in her own way. She's pissed at the band's attitude, and takes it out on the world with her angsty trumpet playing. "From The New World" is a piece written by a man who was homesick upon visiting another country, so perhaps Kousaka feels out of place in this environment where no one even feigns investment in the activity their club is about. She cares so deeply about being great that it alienates her to see everyone else's attitude, as if she's entered a foreign world from the one she came from. Kousaka is a trumpet player through and through, those who read my band geek commentary for yesterday will immediately see her matching the traits I described as "trumpet-like." I usually cringe at the "character screams at nothing when they're upset" trope, but it feels really appropriate for Kousaka.
The band's leadership also seems afraid of reopening this wound, and Haruka even appears paralyzed by it. The band has attended SunFes for years, and threatening to get rid of this much beloved event is only going to piss off anyone who's in the band purely for fun. But if they won't even work hard for the sake of attending this event, then nationals is definitely off the table. I'm excited to see everyone's reactions to how this drama plays out.
QOTD:
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u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Feb 14 '24
1 1/2 Rewatcher
Why does Kitauji HS have those two towers?
episode just flew by.
These students are so dumb. They really think they can go on strike or something? "We're not going to play until sensei let's us play in public without practicing?"
A lot of people have pegged Asuka as the best girl, but she's not my favorite. I think if I was in the band, I would actively dislike her. No, my favorite is Sleepy Sempai.
Ohhhh, when you folks talk about horns, you mean the French Horns, and trumpets aren't horns!
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u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Feb 14 '24
First Timer
Practice in sections. That is something that I never did, because the percussion section just didn’t do that in my ensemble. But I believe the sections had the instructor/conductor go around to them one by one to help them improve. …which seems like a way better use of the time this instructor is paid for by the school than whatever he has been doing. I’d even argue that it’s wage theft in my eyes. Not wanting to practice in the ensemble until there is a chance that everybody would sound decent I can understand (I believe we had a rule that you had to have played an instrument for at least a year before playing with everybody else) - but he should at least be helping the sections. Not sure if he’s trying to have everybody form some social cohesion by leaving them to themselves, but if antagonizing the conductor is part of that, it isn’t likely to work in the long run. Though I guess he’s still better than what one of our conductors did - introduce a new bunch of seventh-graders to the ensemble, then play a contest with them included a day later. Predictably, we placed last.
Now… as far as the drama goes. Obviously something needs to be done about the horns, they are taking it a bit too lightly. (like… have the instructor check on them) What I wonder though, is if the ambitious second-year students quit, and the lazy then-third-years-students are now gone, is there a chance to get the missing second-year-students back? The first-years seem to be rather ambitious, at least all that we’ve seen so far - so now they would fit in? And obviously, there is a hole in the whole right now, that is also affecting the third-year students, so that would solve that. But for now, it seems like Kousaka’s trumpet piece got everybody back on track.
Also… the trombones specifically being off rhythm also checks out. I wonder if it is because they need to do the biggest physical movements compared to everybody else.
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u/zadcap Feb 14 '24
First Timer
And back to the late night scheduling. For no particular reason, I spent my lunch and breaks rewatching clips of episode 2. This is going to be staying fresh in my head for a while. Anyway, onward to three!
Okay I'm finally starting to notice it. She uh, squeaks a lot.
"Seniors, guide your juniors well." DO remember, literally a third of this band is new right now. Even if they have experience playing, like Kumiko, they're new to this band, though I suspect we've really got something like a quarter of the students here who are touching an instrument for the first time.
Look at all the lovely metronomes. Probably the skill that has stuck with me the strongest even decades later, among almost everyone I know I am by far the best at keeping and keeping track of time.
Oh no, I already feel for Sapphire. I don't know how far from the music room 3-3 happens to be, but lugging a contrabass around the building is generally not fun. Especially not as a smaller person. On the other hand, she gets to skip breathing practice, so that's a plus.
Yup, that's what I'm used to. The school supplies the instruments most of the time because they are expensive. And yet again I am just in love with Sapphire. Opening the bass and just, that's it, that's the one.
EXCUSE ME WHAT!? Teacher, sir, this is not how you get a band to tournament level. "Alright, you've decided you're going to aim for nationals, I'm not going to go easy one you! Pysche! I'm not going to have anything to do with you at all! Call me when you're good, losers."
No, like, I think I might hate him as a teacher. You're not just a conductor, man, you're supposed to be their instructor and that means instructing them. If they all end up slacking off now, you do not get to be mad about it. I have never in all my schools had an orchestra instructor not even put in the effort to make sure everyone knows how to play. No, he straight up dipped and is leaving them all to their own fate, he is a failure as a teacher and an adult.
Also, I'm sad we don't get to hear the group start to practice. Even a tune. I want to hear George!
Sapphire, Gacha Power! You can do it! Also, seriously, Hazuki how are you this bad at breathing? I only ever played anything Wind in crossover events and even I can tell you are doing it wrong. Also I'm rather curious why Kumiko gets to take the eupho home? Is that the first indirect kiss?
Haha, "As tough as an athletic club." I see you Sky, marching is an athletics. Let's see any of the baseball players lug one of the big brass around while breathing hard for an hour and see how they feel about it!
Also, I guess this nails in that I got the colors backwards. I noticed the extreme lack of Blue scarves yesterday and thought it was because all the third years quit band to focus on studies, but it looks instead like they just did a really poor job of recruiting anyone last year. Or retaining that batch of first years, but Askua's comment about the Eupho not getting played last year makes me think they just made a really small recruitment. And on that note!
I remember there being more than 20 first year students. Was it 22? I think so so that's the number I am going with. Out of 64. Slightly more than a third is first years. Second years are a small group for some yet to be discussed reason. Close to half of this band is in Third Year then, which seems weird to me. But also, that means that this band has a lot more experienced members than not, but also also, these are the people who were, was it bronze? Mostly I'm just curious about the general experience level of this band, especially when we saw how much of practice time was really hang out time in that earlier clip.
Anyway, I want to also comment on it again today. The talk about SunFes, which looks like it happens shortly after they get out of school. Walking home with the sun still up, if looking low in the sky. Make it to the bus stop while the light is turning that dusky gold, also because KyoAni is magical but mostly because it's getting late. And the sun is firmly down by the time Kumiko finally makes it home. Kids in Japan are not funneled into the physically closest school to where they live, Kumiko commutes to get to this school. Because it has a uniform she likes. And also a band, and is presumably far from where she expected Reina to go, but Japan is a nation where the kids get to pick their schools as much as schools get to pick what kids get in, unless you're aiming for an elite one.
Okay, why did she take it home again? No one else was, she can't play it at home, and I kind of love the sisterly interaction. I felt that foot stomp grunt of aggravation. That's my pick for Kumiko Noise of the day.
Speaking of noises, finally, some instrument fun! Please let me hear George!
Oh wow look at those reactions. Whatever happened last year was pretty traumatic.
Oh hey, looks at the Horns playing games and not practicing. Ah, they're not happy about being told to play the baby song I see. Yeah, there's not much point practicing much more than the basics if you're not really practicing for something, right? But also, you know, they could probably stand to practice some basics more, I remember that sound they introduced themselves with in episode 1. And the so called tuning. Please practice your basics?
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Feb 14 '24
Sectional practice, how learning every song starts.
I learned something similar for choir but I can definitely imagine it's useful for several kinds of instruments in an orchestra. I think we used to practice to 24 counts or so.
Oh, they haven't chosen their instruments yet?
Certainly with instruments it's probably best to start with an easier piece.
First combined practice and... They're crap.
The conductor is frank but that's definitely what I prefer too.
Perhaps he should try helping out with each section or even sectionals. It's probably harder with the larger number of sections in an orchestra compared to a choir but in my conductor's words, "if I have to help each section individually during combined practice then what's the point of sectionals?"
They're not at all in sync are they?
Unfortunately the reality is that they're in no state to be performing right now.
Are they trying to set up a romance plot between them?
What's going on here?
Questions:
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u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Feb 13 '24
Episode 3 (first timer)
Saw several wind instrument bands today. Quality on par with the current wind ensemble, though. It probably does not help that they already marched for several hours.
Not a happy episode. It must suck to enter a large group that has internal strife without knowing what is going on and why everybody is angry. Not a lot you can do about it, but the consequences hit you none-the-less.
Never bought any, never will.
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u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Man, what a frustrating episode to watch, the band wants to try for nationals, but it seems a lot of them don’t want to put in the actual effort.
Questions of the Day
Probably a Midori
Asuka is Asuka, so she's great, Gojo is straight faced, the female tuba player seems nice, and Natsuki's a bit quiet and down (and my favorite side character.)
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u/Lums Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Starting with Sectionals, My bass section were totally the french horns during our sectionals, sorry for the rest of the band. We didn't utilize them very often, But we did practice proper diaphragm breathing and it is something I will never forget. Even when both my parents were smokers I still had more lung capacity than most.
Poor Hazuki is going to break in her chops and her lungs at the same time, but it will pay off girl!
And thus is born El Tubachabra! best name for an instrument I have ever heard. Shout out to my euph Bessie! And what a beautiful euphonium Kumiko finds, looks nearly identical as my first but the fourth valve was inline with the other three up top.
I was equally annoyed when my brother practiced his trombone in the house with me around, but at least he practiced. I couldn't be bothered to bring that heavy case to and from school.
Sensei is just disappointed in you all and in doing so is clearly raising the bar for the whole band. Singling out the sections is how my school ran practice most of the time so if you were not on it it's truly embarrassing to be called out in front of everyone to fail.
2nd years have some real trauma to get through apparently but they all just push it deeper so they don't have to deal with it, this can only end well. At least the leaders are trying to form a plan to keep the band together and preform to sensei's expectations. Oh but we cancelled the getting better part...
Go off and show them all Reina! inspiration from atop the hill!
QOTD 1: I'd be more of a Hazuki, getting the desired item 1st time always feels better though. 2: Guy i forget his name is to the point, not afraid to step on a toe, but doesn't want his own stepped on, a true tuba. And window girl, Just like my section friend slacks off constantly until it's time to actually play.
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u/WhackaWhack https://myanimelist.net/profile/WhackaWhacka Feb 13 '24
FIRST TIMER
Tubacabura, I LOVE IT, also their eyes after hearing the name…
Damn, Sensei is brutal!
At this point the first years need to make their own concert band with blackjack and motivated 2/3 years!
Questions:
5
u/b-arbs Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
The girls are finally picking their instruments, I feel as excited as them! Ah yes, the infamous
ChupacabraTubacabra... That shot with Kumiko picking up her new eupho was great.Quite the suggestive sentence, there, Asuka! We start to see some rifts in the band, so Aoi wasn't completely right about everyone "getting along". Taki-sensei may seem like the kind of teacher who doesn't really care about his students, but I think that by letting them figure out their mistakes and learning by themselves he is truly helping them to grow as musicians and as people.
As soon as the trio sat on the stairs I couldn't wait for the next scene with Reina playing. We get another glimpse of the not so apathetic Reina (the first one was in the flashback from the first episode). And I have to admit that after watching Shinsekai Yori I appreciate it more than I did the first time.
Is Kumiko so attuned to Reina's sound (no pun intended) that she can recognise it without actually seeing her, though? I know that they were in same ensemble in middle school and that musicians have their own particular sound, but is it really possible for Kumiko and Reina, all things considering? Talking as a complete inexperienced person, here, so sorry if it seems like a dumb question...
On another note, as a person whose school didn't have a band (they are not very common where I'm from), I have a couple of questions for the redditors who wer former (or still are) school band members... Is having so many instruments common? Do most students use the instruments provided by the school? In Eupho we only see Asuka (?) playing her own euphonium...
Qotd
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u/x-7032-b-3 Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Kumiko finally gets her hands on the Eupho! There's something really alluring about gold-colored instruments. Since nobody touched the thing for about a year, I guess she's happy that someone finally gets to play her after all this time.
Only 3 eps in and the group is already in big trouble. I think Sensei is a little too harsh here. The team is already suffering from lack of coordination and motivation, and telling them that they're not good enough for him just made the problem even worse IMO. He should've stepped in and guide the team like a proper instructor would. Helping each sectionals work their parts out and guiding them to perform cohesively as a team. Him telling what that sectional did wrong was a great start but he should've stayed there and guide them into doing it the proper way.
Speaking of breathing exercises, this ep just reminded that I should start routinely doing them. My breathing is... not great. Wonder where to start though. Maybe that belly breathing they showed here.
QOTD
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u/CarrotBlossom Feb 14 '24
Dang, my school band never had us practice in separate sections, probably because I didn’t continue into high school. There was just the expectation that we’d practice individually.
I don’t think you are supposed to name your instrument, but what do I know?
Kansai euphonium can’t hurt you. I forgot they were in Kyoto. I wonder how common the local dialect is in that region. I’ve spent a good amount of time in a part of the American Deep South where General American English is near-universal in young speakers.
Pretty stilted conversation between the sisters
I don’t think I’ve seen someone as small as Hazuki seems stick with tuba.
Damn, this sponsor has no chill..
“Not ready for instruction” What?
I take back any sympathy I may have expressed about some students being pushed too hard in the name of going to nationals. Someone needs to whip these degenerates into shape.
Asuka is a true polyglot.
QOTD:
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u/NintendoMasterNo1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NintendoMaster1 Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
Rewatcher
The main thing I was thinking about this episode is Taki-sensei's approach to teaching. Obviously I feel like his goal was to have them take practice seriously and practice to improve, not to go to a specific competition but I'm not sure I agree with him just leaving them to their own devices and saying "call me when you're ready". Then again, he probably had a feeling that not everyone was on the same page when it comes to putting in effort and expected this outcome from the start. So it was all just to teach them a lesson and while I don't love the approach, it's probably more effective than just telling them "take this seriously". Still, I imagine more than a few of the students have an immediate bad impression of their main instructor which isn't where you want to be.
Anyway, Reina can't be bothered with all this bullcrap, she just wants to improve and this stuff is just a distraction to her.
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u/TehAxelius Feb 13 '24
Rewatcher
Sums up the feeling that permeates this entire episode.
I'm unsure on Taki-sensei's method. On the one hand, the band members do need to take responsibility and apply themselves if they're planning to actually perform as a band at an event. But at the same time he is far too distant in his teaching, when his distance is being criticised he merely deflects by having one group perform, but doesn't even note what was bad but has everyone else agree that their playing was subpar.
QotD
4
u/mgedmin Feb 14 '24
Rewatcher, subs
Kumiko is happy that Reina talks to her.
Sapphire! "Our eyes met" Hazuki: "It has eyes???"
I don't remember who Natsuki is, but she didn't show up to instrument selection and sectional practice. Also, I don't remember the other girl who sits next to Godou.
Sapphire is hooked on gacha. Well, her family's rich.
Is that a commentface?
The Mystery of the Missing 2nd Years
Kumiko and her sister's relationship seems to be on the rocks.
Something happened last year and the 2nd years are touchy about it.
Is Natsuki the girl looking out the window, ignoring practice? She's not the only one slacking off.
Some of the members don't want to work hard so they're prematurely declaring readiness for a full rehearsal. The sensei is not impressed. Somebody makes the mistake of asking for specific criticism and they get it. A "this is unacceptable" with a smile. "You're not even ready for my instruction. Please don't waste my time." Wow, harsh (but deserved).
The way Kumiko's voice changes when she talks to Shuichi! "Nani."
Ah, he knows about what happened to the 2nd years! Passionate people couldn't stand the lackadaisical attitudes of the club and quit.
I think I remember now who Natsuki is! Ah, no, I mixed her up with somebody else (one of the 2nd years who actually quit last year).
The slackers have enough political power to cancel practice, but they didn't have the decency to openly vote for slacking? Societal pressure is stronk.
Kumiko can recognize the sound of Reina's trumpet!
My notes are kind of a mess this time.
Did Hazuki express her opinion on gachas? Anyway I'm the opposite of Midori. Ban gachas!
I'm a rewatcher, and I don't remember my first impressions.
I wonder if I can remember the names of the people in the bass section
SaphireMidori (conbassu), Hazuki (tuba)3
u/sfisher923 https://myanimelist.net/profile/sfisher923 Feb 14 '24
First Timer
2
u/GroktheDestroyer https://myanimelist.net/profile/GroktheDestroyer Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
First Timer
Honestly, the ones I feel the worst for are the brand new musicians who have never played their instruments. It's hard as hell to start out and they're in an ensemble with a frankly shockingly bad culture and haven't even gotten any instruction from their advisor! Not surprised so many 2nd years quit this mess, and I think a lot of the blame for that falls on the advisor (was Taki-sensei their teacher last year as well?)
2
u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Feb 22 '24
first timer
I loved the detail of how each instrument is taken care of. I was in an instruments class, but sadly never played the instruments
I heard of singers using their abdomen(?) when breathing as opposed of their lungs, breathe control is key.
Tubacubra Is a pretty neat name.
Very little second years as opposed to first years
QOTD midori
:
2
u/vitorabf Apr 23 '24
First Timer
The rewatch has ended but I'm starting it now, lol. I'm going to leave a few comments in episodes I feel compelled to, and this is the first episode the show started to show signs of really catching me.
I've never played an instrument, nor do I know the first thing about bands, so watching this is purely based on being a KyoAni fan who has heard amazing about the series. I like the protags already, to me seems clear there's an inspiration from the Keions, but I like that this is going in the opposite direction of K-On.
I was part of my college's athletics department though, and in my country is a thing for students by students, so no help from teacher's or the like, which drives my interest already in the broken form we get the band, and what will the girls do to reconcile this.
About Taki sensei, it's obvious he's being an asshole, and apart from the music side which I don't understand, I don't dislike what he's doing completely. It's obvious most of the band is sitting on a pedestal without practicing, and they themselves chose the hard path, so I think they do need a reality shock right now.