This is a review from a band member to you. (Yes, the rhyme was intended.) I mean, I originally didn't have a clue what this anime was about; I only watched it because Kyoto Animation was animating it. However, knowing exactly what it's about made me like it even more. Although it's not 9-worthy, it came extremely close to it. Is it because I'm a part of my school's band? I don't really know. (I play the flute, in case you're wondering.)
Hibike! Euphonium is about a girl named Kumiko Oumae, who just entered Kitauji High School. In junior high, she was a part of her school's concert band and played the euphonium. She checks out her new high school's band and finds one of her old bandmates, trumpet player Reina Kousaka, there. Because of a certain incident, the two of them aren't really on the best terms. Still, Kumiko joins the band and, of course, gets stuck with the euphonium. Under the direction of the new music teacher, Noboru Taki, the band members of Kitauji High School work hard to get into the Nationals, and Kumiko and Reina slowly but surely become closer to each other. (Oh, how they teased the yuri in this anime!)
The story is pretty well-told; it's not perfectly-executed, but it's definitely well-told through the eyes of Kumiko. Most of the characters are well-developed and interesting, as well, even though there were also some annoying characters in the mix (coughYoshikawacough). The voice acting is very well done. The ending theme - "Tutti" by the Kitauji Quartet - is very catchy, and I just plain fell in love with the opening theme, "DREAM SOLISTER" by TRUE! I don't know if it's necessary to say this, but the ED for the last episode was a wind orchestra version of the OP. Honestly, I found that to be rather clever. Speaking of which, the way the band music is played in each episode is realistic; they're all improving little by little, just like in real life.
Now, here's something I can go on gushing about for hours on end: the art and animation. Obviously, as I've mentioned before, it's from Kyoto Animation. Kyoto Animation always manages to release an anime with beautiful animation, and the animation in Hibike! Euphonium is certainly no exception. With nice, vivid colors and serene animation, I liked the art and animation through and through. I noticed a little change in the characters' design, but this change is so insignificant that it's nothing to rant about.
Overall, Hibike! Euphonium is a good anime. If you like a good story accompanied by Kyoto Animation's ever-so-stunning animation, I'd recommend it. I'd also strongly recommend it to those who are or were in band; it might get you pumped up to play whatever instrument you play!
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