4/13 Aidaisui Graduation

When I was asked if I would be continuing with the Ehime University Symphonic Band for the Spring semester, I told them "no." So, that means that I would be "graduating" from the group, along with all of the senior students. So, I was invited for the event on the Saturday. I put on my tan cargo pants, blue Costco button-up. and tan high school graduation fedora before biking over. I got there around 20 minutes early and climbed up the stairs to the band practice room, but I was turned away at the door by Matsuri, one of the low brass students. She said that I was too early, and needed to come back exactly when it starts. So, I went over to a bench in one of the parks on campus and just waited for a few minutes. Then I started walking back and as I went I could see faces looking down at me from the third floor practice room window. 

As I climbed up to the third floor there were many students welcoming in others. All of the graduating senpai (like me) were directed to sit on chairs in the middle of the room facing the doors. We were all lined up but next to all of our graduating section members, so I was next to Kenta and Kanaya. There was a speech given by Myon, the younger of the two conductors. After that, the members of each section went up to their respective senpai and we all received a handmade memory book (shikishi) with messages from each member and pictures. It was awesome! They also gave us bags with fancy desserts, bath bombs, and others. It was very nice. We also all got a flower!

Now, unfortunately the other conductor, Sako, could not make it. So, they took a music stand and put up all of the things they wanted to give him. We started laughing because it looked like a memorial of his death or something. There was also a list of messages on it, that included me. Before the event, someone contacted me asking if I wanted to write a message for him and Kaho, which they printed out.

I wrote the following:

"Hey Guys!

Thanks for a great concert! It was short, but being in Aidaisui was very fun and contributed heavily to my study abroad experience. I showed my parents the November concert, and they absolutely loved it. Good job! I hope everything goes well as your academic journey comes to an end.

Your friend from America,

Austin Q"

Then we took a section photo, and said goodbye to our kouhai members as the senpai went out to dinner. It was this little yakitori restaurant with tons of good side dishes. Truth be told I don't remember that much about it.