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This is the first review I've ever done, and I think it should be for an underrated manga like this one.

SPOILER FREE!

Summary: Ao no Orchestra, also known as The Blue Orchestra, is a manga about a boy named Aono Hajime, who previously stopped playing the violin, starts it once again he is told to teach a girl named Ritsuko Akine. She inspires him to start the violin again, and together they both join the orchestra club in highschool. In the club, a prodigy named Saeki Nao bumps heads with Aono, and that starts a rivarly between the two. A manga full of slice of life, ... drama and music.

Story: 7/10
I gave this a 7. At first, there is nothing big happening until they met a character named Saeki Nao. As you read more and more, you'll find yourself awed by the plot. In the recent translated chapters, there is a lot of drama going down.

Art: 7/10
There honestly isn't anything eyecatching in the art. It's very mediocre. However, at times, the artstyle is intense. There were some panels that completed awed me and gave me goosebumps. Also, since this manga is revolved around music, it's quite difficult to imagine yourself with the instruments, but the art does a wonderful job of capturing how a school orchestra feels, this is said by a orchestra student.

Characters: 6/10
Honestly, there is nothing special about most of the characters. They are written like actual, normal high school students. It's not a bad thing, since it helps you really relate to the characters. But there isn't any eyecatching characters or any that you will remember from heart.

Enjoyment: 7/10
Obviously this will differ for everyone, but on my first read I was completely awed by every chapter, partly because I've never read a music manga, only have watched. As a slice of life, you will be able to regular high schoolers being regular high schoolers. Akine's growth as a violinist, slowly but surely, is something that makes you feel like your baby bird is growing up. Aono eventually coming out of his shell is something there too. Something about Ao no Orchestra feels so realistic. Something that you can relate to. I enjoyed reading it, and I get excited whenever I see a new translation being released.

Overall: 7/10
Would I tell you to read it? Yes, espeically if you are a fan of music or slice of life. It may feel boring as first, but eventually it will warm up to you and you'll be waiting for more and more.
(Sorry for any spelling or grammar errors!)