Melancholy Ostinato (なやめるオスティナート Nayameru Ostināto) is the eighth episode of the third season of the Hibike! Euphonium anime series. It aired on May 26, 2024.
Synopsis[]
The Kitauji High School Concert Band is on a bus heading to a three-day summer camp. Taki explains to Kumiko how the auditions and announcements will proceed before the Kansai Competition. At camp, Mayu asks Kumiko several camp-related questions and offers her help if needed.
Later, Masahiro and Satomi introduce themselves to the new band members. Taki reminds everyone about the upcoming Kansai Competition auditions and encourages them to do their best. The bass section shares their fears about the auditions, while some members hear Reina practicing for the soli part.
Kanade believes the band will make it to Nationals if Kumiko and Reina play the soli part. After an intense practice session, the band members eat in the cafeteria. Mayu and Kumiko discuss the audition and the soli part. Reina then asks Kumiko to practice the soli part with her.
After practicing, Reina tells Kumiko she’s been getting warnings from Taki, unlike Mayu, who has good instincts and plays sounds Taki likes. Reina is confident she wants to play the soli part with Kumiko at Nationals.
Mayu later asks Kumiko if she should forfeit the audition, but Kumiko insists she give her best effort. Mayu only wants to play with everyone, but Kumiko stresses the importance of having the best bandmates. Mayu retorts, pointing out that Kumiko would be upset if a new student took her part.
Kumiko questions Mayu’s confidence in being chosen and apologizes, recalling a similar situation between Yuuko, Reina, and Kaori. She then meets Hazuki and Midori, who reveals Motomu might ask Midori to be his girlfriend. Kumiko heads to her audition and gives her best, followed by Mayu.
After discussing auditions with Shuuichi and Reina, Kumiko and Reina find Midori alone. They ask about her conversation with Motomu, but she remains silent. Reina decides to leave, but Kumiko insists Midori join them, handing her a drink.
The next morning, Kumiko reflects on her memory of Asuka and looks at a photo Asuka gave her, realizing this is her last camp outing. Mayu finds Kumiko playing a song in the same spot Asuka played it. Taki announces the Kansai Competition participants, revealing that Kanade won’t be playing with the euphonium players. Taki confirms Mayu will play the soli part with Reina. The episode closes with Kumiko's reaction to the news.
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