Hibike! Euphonium S3 — Episode 4 — 10 Second Anime

Kitauji performs at the marching band festival, meeting other schools and old classmates. Motomu’s past comes to light.

Episode 4 — “Étude With You”

Hmm.

I love how Hibike! Euphonium makes a big deal out of the Sunrise Festival. First, the concert band focuses on orchestral pieces, but it also thinks marching around and flipping flags is just as important. The beginners can have fun performing for the public while practicing keeping time and rhythm.

Second, we see glimpses of the new students’ pasts. The Sunrise Festival has always been Hibike! Euphonium’s primary device for character development. That was important in the first season for the Big Three of Kumiko, Reina, and Tsukamoto. We still need character development for the new cast in the third season, but it’s in service to the season-ending performance. The previous episode supplied us with the emotional hook for the clarinet section. Remember, Kitauji’s chosen musical composition requires technical skill and a musical attachment to a narrative. KyoAni must create material for flashbacks during the performance. Here, we have a younger student choosing a new big sister. Midori has a mini-Midori younger sister but now has a puppy dog little brother in Motomu Tsukinaga.

Kumiko comes off as a bit calculating in the Hibike! Euphonium episode. However, she does enjoy listening to people play music together who also enjoy each other’s company. Her plan is coming together!

Heh.

Next up for a junior emotional backstory is Motomu in Hibike! Euphonium, the bass player. We see an empty room and a grave memorial visit. That music playing will become something to pay attention to. But we’re back to marching band practice. Motomu hates hearing his last name. Why? Ah. He comes from a famous musical family, and his grandfather teaches at the school he transferred from. And a family member’s death anniversary just passed. Uh oh. Kumiko realized she might deal with extra drama because Motomu’s old school would be at the marching band contest, the Sunrise Festival.

Yay! Kumiko’s friend, Azusa, is now her school’s concert band president. Kanade has sources for all the gossip. Azusa has a fiery school spirit, but Kumiko lacks a bit. Hahaha! Kumiko did the cheer! At least Reina likes it.

Aw. Reina praised the crying girl. KyoAni remembers its reputation for thicc thighs and squishy cheeks. Oho. Both Midori and Kumiko converged on Motomu’s old buddy. He drops the news that Motomu’s big sister passed away three years ago.

Hibike! Euphonium’s eye-catchers for this episode show Motomu reminiscing over his sister, and the flute section takes its turn.

Midori wonders why Motomu only talks to her and no one else. Kanade loves starting rumors. Mama-chan Mayu knows how to handle her! Hahaha! Kumiko is still skittish after all these years. It’s hard keeping secrets from two people.

Ah. Motomu saw his sister bullied over jealousy because her grandfather was the music teacher. Then, she died from depression. Motomu wanted to avoid those memories and went to a different high school. Kitauji’s band is as fun and welcoming as his big sister had hoped it would be. Hibike! Euphonium’s first season showed how far Kitauji has come. Kumiko must wear her presidential hat, too. So, she instructs Motomu to talk to his grandfather and friend so he can explain his feelings and decisions. Oh, KyoAni. Playing with light at opportune moments. Nice. Motomu and Midori play the same song he used to play with his sister. Kumiko: Keikakudoori.

Next time: high school angst at the Agata Festival.