Ao no Orchestra [Season 2 Episode 10]

Let’s dive into Ao no Orchestra Season 2 Episode 10—“The Novices and the Experienced”—because this one hit way closer to home than I expected. After wrapping up the summer concert and saying goodbye to the senior students, the high school orchestra is gearing up for nationals, but things aren’t all smooth sailing (shoutout to AnimeSchedule for that quick recap). This episode really leans into the title’s theme: the gap between those just starting out (novices) and those who’ve been through the wringer (experienced) — and how they lift each other up.

First off, let’s talk about Kozakura’s backstory. I totally forgot about that bullying plot with her and Akine until this episode, but wow, the way they laid it out was gut-wrenching. Those two were so cruel to her, and it’s no wonder she’s been holding back in the orchestra. But here’s where Aono comes in as the absolute MVP (y’all saw that, right?). He didn’t just confront the bullies—he stood up for Kozakura like a boss, then had that heartfelt talk with her, pointing out her strengths and motivating her to keep going. One fan on MyAnimeList said he was a “real man” for that, and I couldn’t agree more. No yelling, no drama—just calm, mature support that she needed.

Then there’s Haru’s moment. A fan mentioned his trauma kicking in at the worst time, and yeah, that scene was raw. It ties into the novice vibe too—Haru’s still figuring out his place, and his past struggles are holding him back a bit. But as another fan noted, Aono’s improved so much, so it’s Haru’s turn to step up now. I’m here for that character growth arc!

What I love most about this episode is how it doesn’t shy away from real issues like bullying. The psychological segment about past troubles was brief but impactful—reminding us that even in a story about music and harmony, the characters have real scars. And speaking of harmony, the AnimeSchedule snippet mentions how the orchestra is dealing with discord over how to play their pieces. That’s such a perfect metaphor: just like the characters are working through their differences (and pasts) to create beautiful music, we all have to find our own harmony when things get messy.

Nippon Animation did a great job with the emotional beats here—from Kozakura’s tears to Aono’s quiet determination. The voice acting (shoutout to Kamiya Hiroshi and the crew) really brought those moments to life. I was on the edge of my seat when Aono confronted the bullies, and I felt so proud when Kozakura started to believe in herself again.

Overall, Episode 10 is a solid addition to the season. It’s got heart, it’s got growth, and it’s tackling important topics without feeling preachy. If you’re into stories about friendship, music, and overcoming your past, this one’s for you. Can’t wait to see how the orchestra pulls together for nationals—let’s hope the next episodes keep this momentum going!

P.S. Aono’s still my favorite character after this episode. Who’s yours? Drop a comment below!