"In the flashback on her junior high school days, euphonium player Kumiko \u014cmae is devastated because her concert band did not accomplish their dream of winning a competition. On the first day of high school, she hears the school's concert band playing and the poor performance of their music drives her to despair. Kumiko meets a girl named Hazuki Kat\u014d, who is sitting in the seat behind her, and then Hazuki tells Kumiko that she wants a new friend, afterwards, the two become friends with each-other. While walking in the corridor, they run into Sapphire \"Midori\" Kawashima. Midori reveals that she used to be a double bass player in her junior high school days. The three girls go to observe a band meeting, and Kumiko is surprised to meet trumpeter Reina K\u014dsaka, who is a former classmate of her's from the same junior high school. On the way home from school, Kumiko tells Hazuki and Midori that she is not sure whether to join the group or not. Depressed, Kumiko sits on a bench, and is approached by her childhood friend, Shuichi Tsukamoto, but then she leaves him due to a past argument between the two. Eventually she decides that she will not join the band and returns home. In her room, Kumiko recalls the devastating look on Reina's face when the concert band lost. The next day, Kumiko sees Hazuki practicing with a mouthpiece and gives her advice, by doing so, Kumiko invited to join the band and makes up her mind to sign up."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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. Together with Midori, the trio play \"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star\", much to Hazuki's delight. As Hazuki is carrying her tuba home, she trips but is fortunately caught by Shuichi. Aoi, seeing Kumiko practice with her euphonium, wishes her luck at the audition."

"The band is hard at work preparing for the audition and the competition. Aoi has trouble with her part, to which Taki says, \"when will you be better by?\""

"Kumiko 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 an opening to talk; Kumiko's attempt to deflect his invitation inadvertently causes her to ask Reina to go 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\u2014nothing like the \"nice girl\" she presents herself as\u2014attractive. 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."

"Midori feels guilt over having pushed Hazuki into the confession, causing Asuka to criticize her performance during practice and subsequently declaring her lack of interest in such non-band matters. Hazuki confronts Kumiko regarding her feelings for Shuichi, but Kumiko denies having such feelings. At home, Kumiko's older sister reveals to her that Mr. Taki is actually 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, including Natsuki. A brief moment of hesitation is quickly dispelled with words of encouragement from Reina. Kumiko's audition passes without incident, but as the results are later announced, it is clear that not everyone made it; among those out are Natsuki and Hazuki. All eyes are on Reina as she is selected as soloist over the favorite Kaori, much to everyone's surprise."

"Despite not making the cut, Natsuki remains in 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, publically accuses him of playing favorites in the auditions. Overhearing this, Reina angrily rebukes her, Natsuki and Kaori having to step in to prevent further escalation. Reina confides to Kumiko how she chose Kitauji because of Mr. Taki and that she loves him, much to her surprise. As the rumor that Mr. Taki held the auditions only so that Reina could be the soloist begins to spread, the mood of the band begins to drop. In response, Mr. Taki announces that he will hold second auditions for anyone who is interested in appealing, the results being judged by a vote from all band members. Kaori asks to redo the audition for the solo part, thus forcing Reina to have to redo her audition as well."

"Taki-sensei's proposal relieves the upset within the band, and everyone returns to practicing. Reina no longer isolates herself either, much to Kumiko's relief. But then she sees Yuuko, who's been antagonizing Reina, speaking with her."

"The competition's coming up. Kumiko is suddenly asked to play a difficult phrase from a different part. She begins practicing, but..."

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