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Anime Lookback: Sound! Euphonium Summary

For this series it has two season and both season has a movie that summary the story for that season respectively so the summary for this series is for the television series and not its movie, through there is one of the two movies that isn't re-tell I only seen of it as the other movie's Blu-Ray has not come out, anyway here it is:


Season 1


Episode 1: Euphonium player Kumiko Oumae inadvertently creates a rift with trumpeter and fellow band member Reina Kousaka upon losing their final concert band competition in junior high. On the first day of high school, she befriends classmates Hazuki Katou and Sapphire "Midori" Kawashima. Midori, who used to play the double bass, suggests that the three go check out the Kitauji concert band club. As they are being greeted by club president Haruka Ogasawara and vice president Asuka Tanaka, Kumiko is shocked to meet Reina again as the latter goes to join the band. While struggling to come to terms with her earlier surprise meeting with Reina, Kumiko runs into childhood friend Shuichi Tsukamoto on the way home, who also tells her of his intentions to join. Though initially unsure, with encouragement from Midori and Hazuki (who has just bought a mouthpiece), Kumiko decides to finally join the band the next day.

Episode 2: Despite several attempts to break the ice, Kumiko remains unable to talk to Reina. After school, Haruka announces that it is time to assign instruments to the new club members. Due to the lack of contrabass players, Midori is automatically assigned the double bass given her previous experience playing at a prestigious school; similarly, Reina joins the trumpet section after an impressive performance to section leader Kaori Nakaseko. Hazuki selects the tuba after successfully fitting her mouthpiece to one. Kumiko, who wants to try a different instrument in high school, initially avoids the bass section; unfortunately, she is scouted by section leader Asuka after Aoi Saitou, an old friend of Kumiko, reveals that she has been playing euphonium since elementary school. The next day, the club meets their new advisor Noboru Taki, who asks the members to decide on their goal for the year. Though Kumiko is unsure of what she wants, the club overwhelmingly votes to work towards winning nationals in the upcoming concert band competition.


Episode 3: The band begins sectional practice as the new members select their instruments and are taught the basics. Hazuki decides to name her new tuba "Tubacabura" after seeing Midori name her bass "George". Mr. Taki instructs the band to let him know once they are good enough to perform in an ensemble; however, many sections neglect to take their practice seriously, preferring instead to focus on the upcoming Sunrise Festival, an important event that the concert band has traditionally performed at. Midori's question regarding the lack of second-year students is met with uncomfortable silences from the other upperclassmen in the section. The club's first performance as an ensemble goes poorly; Mr. Taki warns the club that unless they improve in a week, they should not even think about performing at SunFes, much less nationals. As dissent towards Mr. Taki grows in the club, practice is cancelled while the section leaders discuss what to do. Reina, frustrated at the turn of events, yells out at the top of her lungs after playing a trumpet solo outside school, much to Kumiko's surprise.


Episode 4: Despite still having reservations about Mr. Taki, the club decides to practice for their second ensemble. Mr. Taki engages the club in a variety of drills: having them run around the school and play their instruments, engaging the students in breathing exercises, and finally working with each section individually. Kumiko and Hazuki overhear his strict treatment of the flute section, but is later surprised by his gentle demeanor while working with him in the bass section. On the way home, Kumiko again runs into Shuichi, who tells her that it is Mr. Taki's first time advising a concert band. Reina, overhearing them, adamantly defends Mr. Taki, much to the surprise of Kumiko and Shuichi. At school the next day, Kumiko awkwardly apologizes to Reina while also thanking her for having inspired her; she leaves in a hurry but expresses relief at finally being able to talk to Reina. On the day of the ensemble, the band's performance meets Mr. Taki's standards; he responds by affirming his commitment to the band's goals of performing in SunFes and making nationals.


Episode 5: The band prepares for its upcoming performance at SunFes as uniforms are handed out and the students are drilled on how to march in unison. Natsuki Nakagawa, a second-year in the bass section, reveals to Kumiko and Hazuki that Haruka is only president because Asuka, despite her more outgoing personality, had passed up on it. The band now has confidence in Mr. Taki, even agreeing to extra practice time after school. Aoi leaves early however, telling Kumiko that she has cram school. On the way home, Kumiko is surprised to run into Reina. While trying to make small talk, Kumiko unintentionally expresses her doubt at their chances of making nationals, quickly taking it back. Afraid of offending Reina again, she is surprised to see her smile in response. On the day of the festival, Kumiko runs into an old friend from junior high who reveals that Reina actually turned down an invitation from Rikka, a prestigious school, to go to Kitauji. Despite having to go after Rikka, the band's performance earns them notice from the crowd.


Episode 6: Mr. Taki reveals that he intends on holding auditions for the upcoming competition, much to everyone's surprise. There is consternation in the band at the prospect of seniors not being able to play, causing Kumiko to recall an unpleasant memory from junior high. Meanwhile, the band learns what pieces they will be performing for the audition, as even the normally laid-back Natsuki begins to practice. Asuka attempts to motivate Hazuki, who expresses doubt at being able to make the cut as a beginner. After trying different ways to help her, Kumiko realizes that Hazuki has never had the chance to play her tuba with others in ensemble. Together with Midori, the three play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", much to Hazuki's delight. As Hazuki is carrying her tuba home, she trips, but is fortuitously caught by Shuichi. Aoi, seeing Kumiko practicing with her euphonium, wishes her luck at the audition.


Episode 7: As practice continues for the upcoming audition, Aoi still insists on leaving early for cram school, causing Haruka to worry. During an ensemble, Aoi is singled out for her performance; when asked by Mr. Taki when she will be able to play the part, Aoi stuns the club by announcing her sudden decision to quit, citing conflict with her studies. Kumiko tries to run after Aoi, but is overtaken by Haruka. Aoi explains the real reason she quit: having been unable to convince the other members not to quit the previous year, she would not let herself go to nationals this year. Haruka blames herself for not being able to convince Aoi to stay and doubts her ability to lead the club, staying home from school the next day. Asuka temporarily takes charge, revealing her cold demeanor and uncompromising personality. After school, Kaori stops by Haruka's house to try to cheer her up, reminding her that she alone had the courage to take over leadership of the club, even when Asuka couldn't. The next day, Haruka returns to the applause of everyone in the club. During lunch, Hazuki suddenly asks Kumiko whether or not she is going out with Shuichi, leaving her stunned.


Episode 8: Kumiko vehemently denies being romantically involved with Shuichi, much to the relief of both Hazuki and Midori. On their way home from school, Shuichi asks a shocked Kumiko to go to the Agata Festival with him, to which she does not reply. During practice, Kumiko's attempts to ignore Shuichi fail when he misinterprets her actions as a signal to speak privately; Kumiko's attempt to deflect his invitation inadvertently causes her to ask Reina to go with her instead. With Kumiko's encouragement, Hazuki asks Shuichi to go with her. At the festival, Hazuki confesses her feelings but is rejected. Meanwhile, Reina invites Kumiko to hike with her to several shrines overlooking the city, avoiding the festival altogether. Reina divulges her interest in spending more time with Kumiko, stating that she finds Kumiko's true personality—nothing like the "nice girl" she presents herself as—attractive. Reina reveals that she has no interest in fitting in, but rather wants to be something special, which is why she plays the trumpet. The day ends with the two of them playing a piece from their middle school concert band repertoire atop the mountain, leading into the day of the auditions.


Episode 9: Midori feels guilt over having pushed Hazuki into confessing, blaming herself for her friend's rejection. Asuka criticizes the noticeable drop in Midori's performance during practice, and declares bluntly that she has no interest in personal matters unrelated to band. Hazuki confronts Kumiko regarding the latter's feelings for Shuichi, but Kumiko continues to frantically deny having such feelings. At home, Kumiko's older sister reveals to her that Mr. Taki is actually the son of a famous music instructor. Meanwhile, Kaori expresses her desire to play the trumpet solo to Haruka, followed by a tense encounter with a practicing Reina. On the day of the auditions, Kumiko sees everyone practicing furiously, including Natsuki. She hesitates when she realizes that she is now competing against her bandmates, not wanting to deny someone a chance to play, but Reina encourages her, telling her she has to do her best. Kumiko's audition passes without incident, but as the results are later announced, the pain of failing to make the cut is clearly evident among the band members, with some bursting into tears; among those out are Natsuki and Hazuki. All eyes are on Reina as she is selected as the soloist over the crowd favorite Kaori, much to everyone's shock.


Episode 10: Despite not making the cut, Natsuki remains in surprisingly good spirits and expresses her wish to play again next year, much to Kumiko's relief. Upon discovering that Mr. Taki had known Reina prior to their meeting at Kitauji, Yuko Yoshikawa, a second-year trumpet player who idolizes Kaori, publicly accuses him of playing favorites in the auditions. Reina angrily rebukes her, defending Taki's honor and saying that she was chosen for the simple reason that she is the superior musician, which enrages Yuko. Natsuki and Kaori are ultimately forced to separate the two. Later, Reina confides to Kumiko that she chose Kitauji over other schools because of Mr. Taki and that she loves him, much to Kumiko's surprise. As the rumor that Mr. Taki held the auditions as a pretense to give Reina the solo begins to spread, the collective mood of the band begins to drop. In response, Mr. Taki announces that he will hold a second round of auditions for anyone who is interested in appealing the results of the first audition, with performances being judged by a vote from the band members. Kaori asks to redo the audition for the solo part, meaning Reina will have to redo her audition as well.


Episode 11: After hearing Reina practice for the audition, Yuko is shocked at her playing ability, privately conceding to Kumiko that Reina is fit to play the solo. Meanwhile, Kaori attempts to gauge Asuka's opinion regarding her playing. Though Asuka remains evasive in her answers, Kaori decides that she would rather not know instead. The next day, Yuko confronts Reina and begs her to throw the audition for Kaori's sake, who, as a senior, will not have the chance to play again. Reina, defiant as ever, declares that Kaori's circumstances have nothing to do with her and leaves. Before the audition, Haruka goes to see Kaori when Asuka refuses to; likewise, Kumiko visits Reina, who questions whether or not she should give Kaori the solo, and reminds the latter that in order to become something special, she must win. At the audition, Kaori plays first, but as Reina finishes her performance, it is clear to the band that Reina is the better soloist. However, when asked to decide by Mr. Taki, nearly everyone abstains from voting; Yuko and Haruka vote for Kaori, while Kumiko and Hazuki vote for Reina. Faced with a tie, Mr. Taki asks Kaori if she is willing to play the solo, but, having heard Reina's performance, Kaori declines.


Episode 12: Mr. Taki asks the euphoniums to play an additional section. While Asuka is quick to learn the part, Kumiko finds herself struggling to master the piece despite relentless practice. During an ensemble, Mr. Taki asks whether or not she will be ready by the competition; Kumiko confidently declares to him that she will. Encouraged by Reina and other members of the bass section, Kumiko continues to practice the part. However, during a critique of the band's performance, Mr. Taki suddenly asks Asuka to play the part solo, leaving Kumiko shocked and depressed. Attempting to cheer her up, Hazuki and Midori invite Kumiko out to eat, but neglect to notice that she has forgotten her phone. On the way home, Kumiko breaks down crying, but finally realizes why Reina had been so upset when they failed to advance at the concert band competition in junior high. Returning to school to retrieve her phone, Kumiko runs into Mr. Taki, who reminds her of her promise to be ready by the competition and encourages her to continue practicing. Realizing that she still has a chance to perform, Kumiko meets up with Reina to share the good news with her.


Episode 13: As the day of the competition arrives, the band members all engage in preparations for the upcoming event. Natsuki and Hazuki, along with the other non-performing band members, present to everyone their own personalized good luck charms; Haruka expresses her gratitude for the gesture before offering the band her own words of encouragement. Midori, sensing Kumiko's nervousness over her fear of failure, reassures her. At the concert hall, Mr. Taki reminds the band members that it was they who set the goal of making it to nationals before encouraging them to put on a spectacular performance. Shuichi, despite lingering tensions with Kumiko, attempts to reconcile with her; Kumiko responds with a fist bump. During the performance, Kumiko reminisces back on her junior high days and admits that despite having wished to go to nationals before, she never thought it a serious goal until now. When the results are announced, Kitauji is revealed to have successfully advanced to the Kansai regional competition, with the band celebrating their victory while an overjoyed Reina tearfully hugs Kumiko.


OVA: A side-story focusing on Team Monaka, the members cut following the auditions, as they prepare to support the band in their own way, in advance of the competition.


Season 2


Episode 1: As the Kitauji wind band celebrates moving on to regionals, Kumiko notices an unfamiliar girl their age leaving the concert hall. Later, Kumiko joins Reina taking part in early-morning practice sessions in addition to usual club meetings. On their first one Kumiko meets the band's only oboist, Mizore Yoroizuka, who is the first student to arrive every morning. The same day, Taki reveals that he has invited his college classmate Hashimoto, a professional percussionist, to instruct the percussion session leading up to the regional competition, and the girl that Kumiko saw at the concert, a flutist named Nozomi Kasaki who quit the club during the clash between serious and laid-back students the previous year, approaches the bass section during their sectionals to ask Asuka's permission to rejoin the band. Asuka refuses. Nozomi turns out to have come from the same middle school as Mizore, and the two are implied to be friends, but Mizore is upset by hearing Nozomi playing her flute from a distance. While watching fireworks at a local festival with Reina, Kumiko muses on why someone who loves music as much as Nozomi would decide to give it up.

Episode 2: The band members take a break before embarking on a training camp. Kumiko and her friends go to the pool, but wind up running into various senpai from the club, including Nozomi, who opens up to Kumiko about her experiences last year and why she feels like she needs Asuka's permission to rejoin the band. Kumiko offers to ask Asuka why she won't let Nozomi rejoin. Once the training camp begins, Taki reveals that aside from Hashimoto he has asked another former classmate, Niiyama, to tutor the woodwinds. Students wonder if Niiyama is Taki's girlfriend, disheartening Reina. That night Kumiko has encounters with Natsuki, who explains why she wants to help Nozomi, and with Mizore, who says that she hates competitions.


Episode 3: The band settles into a Spartan rehearsal schedule as the camp continues. Taki approves Kumiko to play the part she had trouble with in the previous season in concert with Asuka, but Mizore's oboe solo is criticized by Hashimoto, who encourages her to show more emotion. Kumiko approaches Asuka about Nozomi, and Asuka explains that she is refusing Nozomi because of Mizore, who as the only oboeist is crucial to the band's chances at the next competition. The band gets together that night to play with fireworks, and Kumiko learns from Hashimoto that Taki used to be married and is still grieving the loss of his wife. Later on, Kumiko meets and reconciles with Yuuko over their concerns for Mizore and complicated feelings on competitions.


Episode 4: With the training camp over, Nozomi comes to thank Kumiko for her efforts and then decides to visit the clubroom and say hello to Mizore. Kumiko tries to prevent them meeting but to no avail, and Mizore runs off. Kumiko and Yuuko search the school for Mizore, who reveals that she still thinks of Nozomi as her only friend (to Yuuko's frustration) and worries that Nozomi quit without telling her because Nozomi doesn't care about her. Nozomi is brought in and the two reconcile; afterwards, Asuka remarks that Mizore is calculating and self-serving, angering Kumiko.


Episode 5: Kitauji prepares for the Kansai regionals, with Nozomi having rejoined the band. While there, they hear that Rikka has failed to progress, winning silver. The band members psych themselves up while waiting in the wings; Asuka makes a speech about wanting Kitauji's music to sound out through the whole country at nationals, Mizore promises to play for Nozomi, and Reina promises to play for Kumiko. After their performance, Kitauji wins gold and is chosen to advance to nationals. Kumiko asks Mizore if she still hates competitions, to which Mizore replies that she likes them as of now.


Episode 6: The Kitauji band plays a piece in the school's cultural festival, together with the members who did not make the auditions. Seeing Reina frustrated by other students getting crushes on Taki, Kumiko reflects that she can't tell her about Taki's wife. Reina invites Kumiko to her class's exhibit, a haunted house, and she meets Shuuichi there, leading to Kumiko getting teased again about his crush on her. Later, a typhoon hits the region, and Kumiko overhears her sister Mamiko telling her parents that she wants to drop out of college to become a beautician. Kumiko goes out for a walk to escape the tension at home and runs into Taki at the florist's; as he drives her home he tells her about his wife. Kumiko later hears from Sapphire about the floriography meaning of the bouquet Taki bought for his wife indicating that he still loves her.


Episode 7: Taki arranges for the band to play in a concert at the train station. However, one day Asuka's abusive mother arrives at school and tries to force her to quit to focus on exams; Kumiko witnesses the altercation at the teachers' office and sees Asuka's mother hit her. Rumors spread that Asuka is going to quit, worrying the entire club, and though Asuka plays it off as not a big deal, she is able to attend less often. Haruka and Kaori find Asuka's sheet music and realize how much she wants to go to nationals, and Haruka speaks to the band members about the way everyone has relied too much on Asuka and put her on a pedestal. Asuka arrives in time to play at the station concert, where Haruka has a solo.


Episode 8: Kumiko reflects on her sister, who was her original inspiration for wanting to play music, and the way her sister quit band to focus on college exams. While the other band members are reassured by Asuka saying she won't cause them any trouble, Kumiko asks if she really won't quit, and Asuka invites her to do homework together. Asuka shows up to club less and less often. One day Kumiko catches a cold and goes home early, meeting Aoi along the way. They talk about Asuka, and Aoi is surprised that Asuka has such messy circumstances, which angers Kumiko. At home sick, Kumiko dreams about her early days playing the euphonium, and wakes up to find Reina visiting her. The two of them listen to a CD by a famous euphonist together, but are interrupted by Mamiko, who tells them to stop; Kumiko lashes out at Mamiko, leading to an argument. Mamiko meets Shuuichi later, who tells her how Kumiko wanted her sister to hear her play.


Episode 9: Various band members pressure Kumiko to do something about Asuka's home situation during her visit, including Natsuki, who has been chosen by Taki as Asuka's understudy. While returning the clubroom key to the teachers' office with Reina, Kumiko expresses exasperation about the situation, but Reina agrees that Kumiko has a way with words when it matters most. While returning the key to Taki, Reina notices a photo on his desk with Taki's wife in it. The next day Kumiko goes to Asuka's house, and Asuka opens up to her about her situation: Asuka's father is a famous euphonist whom her abusive mother has prevented her from ever meeting, he is the one who sent her her euphonium as a child, and that he is set to be a judge at the national competition. She wanted to go to nationals so that he would hear her play. The two of them go out to the riverbank, where Asuka plays for Kumiko.


Episode 10: After she returns from Asuka's house, Kumiko and her sister reconcile while making dinner, admitting that they were jealous of each other. Mamiko resolves to move out to pursue her dreams. Knowing how much her sister regretted letting their parents push her around, Kumiko appeals to Asuka after school to stay in band, mentioning that everyone wants her to stay. Asuka pushes back against Kumiko's assertions, asking if she can really say so for sure, but Kumiko says that she herself wants to play with Asuka. The two are interrupted by Aoi calling Asuka about the results of a mock exam she took. Later Asuka returns to the band for real, using the fact that she scored in the top 10 in the nation in the mock exam as ammunition against her mother. However, Kumiko realizes that Reina is now avoiding her.


Episode 11: Kumiko unsuccessfully tries to corner Reina with help from Hazuki and Sapphire, only for Reina to ask her to climb Mt. Tenran again. Reina reveals that she is upset with Kumiko for concealing the story of Taki's wife from her. Because Taki was part of Reina's motivation to play, the shock goes on to affect her solo, and she reconciles with Yuuko when the latter encourages her. Reina asks Taki directly about his wife, visits her grave together with Kumiko, and resolves to help grant Taki's wish to win gold at nationals in his wife's memory.


Episode 12: The band travels to nationals. During their hotel stay, Kumiko and Shuuichi meet at a vending machine and have an awkward conversation, and he gives her a late birthday gift, a hairpin decorated the same kind of flowers Taki bought for his wife (having been told by Sapphire that Kumiko likes them). The band plays at the competition. While waiting for their results they realize that they did not come up with a cheer for Taki during the conductors' awards; Reina confesses her love in place of a cheer but is misunderstood. Kitauji wins bronze, but Taki passes on a message to Asuka from her father, and Kumiko has an emotional reunion with Mamiko, who had come to watch.


Episode 13: The third year students retire from the club after the competition. Yuuko is named the new president and Natsuki the vice president; Kumiko is frustrated by how much she misses Asuka. Before graduation, the club has a farewell party for the third years, with the third years playing a piece for their juniors and the second and first years playing Crescent Moon Dance for their seniors. On graduation day, Kumiko is at last able to meet up with Asuka, and confesses that though at first she was confused by and disliked her, she now loves Asuka. Asuka gives Kumiko the piece her father wrote, and which she played many times throughout the series, "Sound! Euphonium".


The movie centers around Nozomi and Mizore


Mizore is a quiet, introverted student in her final high school year, who is a oboist in the school's concert band. Her only friend, who occupies most of her thoughts, is Nozomi, one of the band's flutists, who is much more outgoing and popular. Together, the two rehearse a duet from the musical piece Liz and the Blue Bird, which is based on an eponymous German fairy tale Nozomi loved as a child about a woman named Liz (represented by the oboe in the musical piece) and an unnamed bluebird turned human (represented by the flute) who become best friends and live together, until Liz ultimately decides to force the bird away from her house so it can live a fulfilling life.


Although Nozomi spends time with other friends from the band, Mizore keeps herself isolated from everyone except Nozomi, and refuses her other bandmates' offers to spend time together. She also tries to express her love to Nozomi, but is never able to. Niiyama, a woodwind instructor, advises Mizore to apply for music school after graduation so she could become professional; she is not particularly interested at first, but changes her mind after Nozomi says that she might apply as well. However, their bandmates are worried, realizing that Mizore's only motivation for going to music school is to be together with Nozomi.


As the concert approaches, Mizore and Nozomi grow apart. Mizore feels insecure towards Nozomi because of the previous year during which Nozomi proposed and convinced Mizore to join the band only to later leave it herself on a whim, leaving Mizore feeling abandoned, and persuaded that Nozomi could abandon her again at any time. Meanwhile, Nozomi shows jealousy at Mizore progressively opening herself to more people and being tutored by Niiyama, envious of her greater potential. Furthermore, the two have trouble perfecting their duet, both because of their increasingly complicated relationship and because of their trouble connecting with the characters from Liz and the Blue Bird; Mizore, in particular, does not understand why Liz would ever let go of the bird instead of keeping it with her forever.


Eventually, the two come to a greater understanding of their relationship, thanks to the assistance of Niiyama and other members of the band; they notably come to realize that while they always associated Mizore to Liz and Nozomi to the Blue Bird, Mizore was actually closer to the Blue Bird, having to let go of her unconditional attachment so she can live her own life, while Nozomi was closer to Liz, who let go of the bird for its own good. At the next rehearsal, they perform the piece perfectly, with Mizore's performance being lauded by all. Nozomi confronts Mizore afterwards, having realized that Mizore had underperformed all along so the two would be on the same level. Nozomi also reveals that she did not really want to go to music school, and had only said so out of jealousy for the other, even though she knew she did not have the level necessary to be accepted. Mizore, upset that Nozomi seems to be abandoning her once again, confesses the extent of her feelings, calling the other her "everything". However, Nozomi only laughs, knowing that accepting Mizore's feelings meant that she would only continue to confine her.


Some time later, Mizore and Nozomi are seemingly still distant from each other. After they meet in the school's library, Nozomi offers to eat together outside. On the way, she claims that she will back up Mizore perfectly in their duet, only asking for "a little time" and implying that she intends to overcome her jealousy and support Mizore in her life and decisions, while Mizore answers that she will keep on playing the oboe, hinting at her acceptance to finally follow her own path instead of Nozomi's.

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