The Kitauji High School concert band holds auditions for the Kyoto Prefectural Concert Band competition and unfortunately, 10 members do not make the cut due to rigorous standards. These individuals, now known as Team Monaka, are still dedicated to aiding their fellow bandmates in any way they can leading up to the competition, despite being unable to play alongside them. Through tasks such as transporting equipment and crafting monaka-style trinkets for luck, Team Monaka plays a crucial role in the poignant, memorable summer the concert band experiences on their quest to reach nationals.