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Post by Ichibey on Mar 31, 2023 2:44:24 GMT
Shopping District, Sakae Ward Her name was Kagami Katou. On most days, she looked like an ordinary middle schooler attending classes in the old-timey Mizuna Ward. After school ended, she would then spend time after homework at her residence, an unassuming apartment building that Wishmakers knew as Kukae Haven. There she would attend to her duties to the Kamihama Magia Union. This wasn't one of those days. No, it was her day off - funny as that sounded for volunteer work. And she was just going to take that time enjoying an afternoon shopping. Yesterday had been exhausting, given all the work she had to do, directing new members to Havens. Today, it was all about relaxation. Carrying a shopping bag full of little enjoyments she had bought along the way through this part of town, Kagamin decided to take a break from spending her hard-earned cash and just do a bit of sightseeing. There were of course a variety of stores to see. But something that caught her attention was something you didn't exactly see every day: a music studio. "Well how about that?"It wasn't like a music shop with glass displays up front to face the street. That wasn't the main attraction, so much as it was the sign above the door and a poster of a musician playing a traditional instrument. "This could be an opportunity to expand your horizons, Kagamin," a purple cat-rabbit-like creature with red eyes said as it sat on her shoulder. "Have you considered taking up an instrument?""I guess it couldn't hurt!" Kagamin chuckled. "As long as you do the vocals, Nana!"Nanabey scratched her left ear. "It might be an interesting combination to try."Without another word, the pair walked into the studio, to see what they might find... [298/298/1] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Mar 31, 2023 3:18:06 GMT
Belle was relaxing in the room where her koto classes often took place. It had already ended for the day, but the room was always left available for those who wanted to stay and practice extra. The last of her classmates had left for some lunch, but she was determined to play this page correctly before going. She practiced despite the soreness in her fingers and knees. The lack of chairs did not make things easier but she ignored the annoyance.
She partially noticed the sound of the door opening, but curiosity was washed away by frustration as she missed a press. She huffs softly to herself and restarts from the top of the line. It takes a couple tries but she manages to get the timing down. She pats the wood of the koto gently before getting up and stretching some. She’d stay longer usually but the hunger was really getting to her today, so she decided she might as well get some lunch earlier than usual.
Still though, she takes her time leaving, making sure to put away everything neatly. Especially her koto, the wood was rather fragile and she’d rather not accidentally scratch it again. She idly wonders who came in. The instructor perhaps? Or one of her classmates? Both seemed unlikely at the moment.
Once she finished putting everything away she grabbed her bag and began to head out. When she does, she notices the unfamiliar face and pauses a moment.
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Post by Ichibey on Mar 31, 2023 14:51:28 GMT
The studio was a quaint place, with a small reception area to entertain people who might be asking about what services were available. Behind the desk were a couple of doors. A lot of people seemed to be out to lunch, if the sign on the reception desk said anything. Which was fine. Kagamin wasn't in a rush or anything. There was still time today. "So what instrument might you be interested in trying out?" Nanabey was methodical, even though the way she flipped the pages of a musical magazine looked so carefree. "The sign has quite a selection of lessons."Kagamin reviewed the instruments in question and the prices, and there really was a variety to choose from. Everything from western instruments, like piano and violin, to more traditional choices like the biwa and koto. "Well there are a lot of anime about more modern bands, right? Like Q-On. And uhh...""That choice seems rather dated," Nanabey flipped the magazine to a page featuring a young violinist from Mitakihara making a performance in recent times. "Like the wish that fixed this guy's eyes.""You can tell someone made a wish for him?" Kagami asked, surprised. Never mind that her Companion just lowkey took a jab at her for being outdated on musical anime. Nanabey turned to face her partner, red eyes blinking once after a long pause. "His injuries were something that your modern technology is incapable of curing, and the article notes it was 'miraculous'. What else could it be?""So you didn't have to access your Companion network to check?"The question was left unanswered as the door leading to the studio opened up, and an older girl stepped out, carrying a bag. Her intent seemed to be to get straight out. Maybe she also wanted lunch? Either way, that apparently flew out the window as the girl stopped nearby. Well, it seemed she was noticed. Kagamin raised a hand in her usual warm, smiling demeanour. "Hi! I was just looking around. This place sure has a lot of lessons to teach. The instructors must be really talented!"[350/648/2] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Mar 31, 2023 16:19:11 GMT
She was a tad surprised by the greeting but figured she’d might as well see what girl might need. Perhaps she’d like to sign for some classes? A new classmate could be nice. “Yes, the teachers are quite talented. Both in playing and in teaching. Is there anything you’d like to know about? I’ve spent quite some time here, so I can assist if you need unless you’d rather wait for some time.”
She briefly checked her watch before adding. “It should be about twenty minutes till their break is over. So you might be left waiting for a bit.” She was very much ignoring the very pettable looking cat thing. If she pretends it’s not real, she can resist the very real urge to hug it.
She was also quite curious to know what instruments the girl might be looking at. Maybe a wind instrument? A flutist would be nice. They had one last recital and the sound was a wonderful addition.
Perhaps she could nudge them towards it if they do want to sign for classes. Though on the other hand it’d be better for them to choose one they were passionate about. Instruments always seemed so sad when abandoned, she’d rather not push someone to an instrument they’d quit in about a week.
(225/472/2)
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Post by Ichibey on Apr 1, 2023 0:17:17 GMT
Kagami clasped her hands together. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened up. This was quite the opportunity indeed! While she wasn't particularly passionate about music, she had a kind of go-getter attitude that pushed her to finish things that she started. Passion could be cultivated with immersion in the subject. At least, that was what she had experience with. For example, running the Membership Committee. At first, she had no idea how it was going to go down. But as she learned her way around the various Havens and Wishmaker teams, things started to slide naturally into place. "I don't really know much about music. But a good melody can really carry me away." She took another look at the poster with the lesson list. "So I was hoping I could get lessons with maybe a string or wind instrument of some kind...""We're in uncharted territory now," Nanabey said, flipping the magazine to the next page. "I can't wait to see which you end up choosing."Hearing the page flip, Kagami tried hard not to lose composure, instead switching to telepathy. <<Should you really be doing that when there are other people around?>> It wasn't exactly windy in here, so it would be really odd for the magazine to be flipping pages. Almost ghostly, one might think. The answer was quick and concise. <<It's fine. She has a soul gem too, you know.>><<Oh...>> Well that was embarrassing for her not to notice. You would think that after a couple of years doing this, she would have gotten used to checking people's fingers for soul gem rings. So was she new then? Kagami didn't remember seeing her before, and her job meant that she met every new member. Well that could wait. At least until after this matter of instruments. "If you're not too busy, I'd love to learn your take as a senior here."She stood up and took a bow. "I'm Kagami Katou. It's nice to meet you!"[332/980/3] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Apr 1, 2023 1:13:06 GMT
She gives a slight bow in return. "Likewise. You may call me Belle." She'd rather not give her last name, easier that way. Usually at least.
"Wind or string. Well for string we have the biwa, koto, shamisen and a few others. Wind wise There are various sorts of flutes available to learn. Though I would suggest listening to how each instrument sounds first before choosing. it's easier to figure out which one calls to you more that way."
Outwardly she didn't really react to the talking cat thing. Meanwhile, in her head she was just rambling on about how cute it sounded and how very much it reminded her of Kyu. Who was also a talking animal? thing? She's not quite sure what to consider it but it was also adorable. Just like the weird cat she was ignoring.
"There are benefits and negatives to every instrument, but learning is a very enjoyable endeavor here. Personally I would suggest you try out one of the flutes first. They do sound rather beautiful after all." She told herself she wouldn't but maybe a little bit of nudging wouldn't hurt? She really would like a permanent flutist. Not just the occasional guest players during recitals.
(203/675/3)
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Post by Ichibey on Apr 2, 2023 11:47:28 GMT
It was of course understandable that not everyone would be so open to giving their full names just like that. Kagami was used to that. The difference was that unlike Membership Committee work, she didn't need to convince Belle-san to give her the rest of her name. It was fine. Maybe if they got to know each other better, the maybe eventually. But right now, it was about giving her that respectful distance. "That sounds like a great idea, Belle-san!" First off, while a lot of people were assertive and might have gone ahead to pick one, or maybe researched ahead of time so they already had an answer... Kagami was fine with deferring to Belle-san's expertise. In the first place, she just showed up here on a whim, and was really out of her field. It only made sense to let the more experienced senpai make the important calls. If anything, it gave her a greater variety of choices. Even better that there was encouragement to go with that initial recommendation. "I can imagine. I've heard them a few times on movie soundtracks, and they can be really moving when played right.""Either way, you'll be exploring new horizons, Kagami," Nanabey shut the magazine and stood up, as if waiting to follow the two girls into the studio. "It will be interesting to see which one you finally settle with. But from experience, it sounds like the flute's first impression might last."[243/1223/4] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Apr 2, 2023 19:31:31 GMT
“Splendid.” Going perfectly in fact. “Just this way then. It should be fine to show you some of the instruments for a bit. At least before the next class comes in.” She could delay eating a few minutes longer. Getting this new classmate to join has thus been deemed more important for the time.
She leads the way further into the building. Talking as she does so. “There are various class times you could sign up for. Some instruments are only available at certain times to fit the instructor's schedule. Classes also get moved around every so often when they have a performance of their own to attend, so you’d want to keep an eye on that. Us students do have a group chat though, to keep informed of times and sudden occurrences.”
She holds the door to her classroom for her potential classmate. There are various cases of different sizes holding instruments. Belle smiles slightly as she catches sight of her own packed away koto. She continues after a brief moment, directing attention to some less decorated or personalized cases in the back.
“Those are currently our unused instruments if you’d like to try them out. Just do be careful with them. Some are a tad fragile.”
(210/885/4)
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Post by Ichibey on Apr 3, 2023 13:59:15 GMT
"I hope they don't mind a new face!" Kagami chuckled as she followed Belle further into the building. Her experience was put on display as she explained how the classes worked. This was a serious commitment, as could be expected, if you were going to play in public. Maybe she might even do an opening act for Sally the Hex? Did instrumental groups like these even do openers for idols? When you gave it some thought, they seemed very different from each other. Although there didn't seem to be any indication that this was a strictly classical studio. Maybe there was a chance? Not that she was really into Sally the Hex either. But all the other Wishmakers seemed to be making a big deal about her. So she must've been impressive, right? Either way, it was good to know all this upfront. Kagamin bowed in thanks as Belle held the door open for her. She was definitely polite. And graceful to boot. Maybe she had a refined upbringing? She looked around, mouth slowly opening in awe at the display of various - presumably occupied - instrument cases. Belle then called her attention to some other cases in the back, the unused ones, as she said. "I'll be careful, for sure..." She slowly went over each case, inspecting its contents before moving on. Nanabey sat down near the unused instruments and scratched her ear. "This is quite the collection. There should be a flute here somewhere."Kagamin nodded as she finally found what she figured was a flute. She wasn't quite sure, since there were a variety of wind instruments. Still, she held up one that looked like one might expect of a flute if they didn't know anything other than "hollow wind instrument with holes for the mouth and fingers". "Is this the one?"[303/1526/5] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Apr 3, 2023 14:44:51 GMT
She nods with a tiny smile. “Now let's see here, I should have…” She digs into her bag and finds a small binder. She checks time briefly before flipping through the pages. It seems filled with sheet music. She stops on one of the first songs. She seems to study it for a moment.
“Here we are. Accompaniment is a bit much. Though there should be a slower section…there.” She finds a relatively simple area to start with. She places the binder down on the table. She grabs one of the other unused flutes and decides it’s similar enough to demonstrate with.
“Personally I don’t know much about playing the flute. Well, this kind of flute at least. But I do know how to play a few notes.” She often stayed late to practice her koto more, yes. But there were a few…instances where instead she’d get to get the instructor to show her some of the other instruments. Or would find another classmate staying late and have them show her some of what they knew.
She focuses on what she remembers, taking time to demonstrate how to play the few notes she knew. Then playing a part of the slower section from the song. Skipping over notes she didn’t know of course.
(218/1103/5)
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Post by Ichibey on Apr 5, 2023 5:22:08 GMT
One skill Kagami had picked up in recent months was that of intentionally listening to people. Well in this case it was music, but either way, it was important to not just enjoy the notes. She had to study them, paying attention to which combination of fingers and keys led to what notes. She hadn't learned much of music outside of the standard public school curriculum's music class. They studied a kind of flute called the recorder, which used holes rather than keys. It would be foolish not to keep an eye on what was clearly a different instrument. The notes were also different. The way they blended with each other rather than being distinct notes was fascinating, and she wondered what made the difference. Was it the use of keys rather than holes? Fortunately, Kagami still remembered how to read sheet music, for the most part. It might take a short review, but it would have been easy to pick up again. When Belle finished, she was met with applause. "That was great, Belle-san!" Despite the warning of modesty, this demonstration was still done with more experience than Kagami had. That made a lot of things relative, didn't it? "It really sounds different from the recorders we studied in school music class. Like the notes have more subtleties."Nanabey could only nod. "Do you have any recordings of those classes? Maybe you could use them as a good point of comparison.""Maybe? But this flute looks so different. I don't know if it would help to review those old lessons... But what do you think, Belle-san?"[267/1793/6] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Apr 8, 2023 2:35:25 GMT
“It likely wouldn’t hurt. Whether it translates well or not, it’s still good to brush up on old knowledge occasionally. Though there should be at least one thing that seems similar. If you kept any old music sheets, looking over them might prove helpful as well. Though some symbols may differ. I know the koto has quite a few symbols that are specifically for it. So the flute may have some of its own to look out for.”
Full presses, half presses, wait then press, press then let go before it’s finished. All sorts of symbols to differentiate between these actions on koto. All of them quite a struggle to get used to, even now.
“Now how about you try that section for yourself? No need for perfection of course. I’ll help with the notes I know if you need.”
Meanwhile in her mind she was starting to acknowledge the cat in the room. It’s likely something she’d need to ask directly about. Especially if she didn’t want to interrupt her nightly routine with investigating. In all honestly it was mostly the curiosity gnawing at her that had her even considering keeping this company around for a while longer.
Perhaps if she invited them to lunch? Troublesome. However such curiosities she would put aside some moments longer. Music took priority after all. She could acquire knowledge afterwards.
(234/1337/6)
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Post by Ichibey on Apr 16, 2023 14:43:55 GMT
Kagami nodded with enthusiasm. Not a wild super eager set of nods, but rather the sort that most people could tell, was made by someone who was paying close attention to what was being said. "Then I'll be sure to check out my old notes when I get home then." For now, the ones on the current sheets would do fine. She just needed to watch out for those specific notes, right? Belle directed her to try out that section of the sheet. Kagami had of course watched her play it earlier, but now it was her turn. The principle for flutes and recorders was technically the same. It's just that the mechanism was different. Holes rather than keys. So now, she was going to have to deal with keys rather than holes. "Alright." The eighth grader brought the flute up to her lips, attempting to copy the posture that Belle had. From what she saw, you didn't point it down, but rather to the side. The angle was off, but she couldn't know that just from bringing it up to herself. She started blowing, and the quality of the sound was what you would expect with someone using a flute wrong. It was not a recorder. "I would recommend asking Belle for advice on how to properly hold it," Nanabey said as she started going over the sheet music. "So this is how humans write music. It certainly looks more complex than spoken language, with the added dimensions of sound quality, rather than just grammar and meaning."[258/2051/7] Belle Fey
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Post by Belle Fey on Apr 19, 2023 23:47:24 GMT
She smiles slightly at the attempt at sound. “Here, like this.” she holds the flute out as she demonstrates, so Kagami could better see. She plays the little series of notes again, before watching her new acquaintance try it out. She’s still ignoring the cat thing. It may be cute but she’s been told more than enough stories about odd creatures to freak her out. It didn’t stop her from making a wish and talking to kyu but the point still stands.
After some time she can hear her phone buzzing out of nowhere and startles some. “So soon?” She checks her phone to confirm. It is, in fact, her food alarm. She usually stays late so she got into the habit to make sure she eats eventually. She knows if she ignores it now she’ll start finding excuses to ignore it the following days. She holds back a sigh and starts packing away the flute she was using and her music sheet.
Since she needed to get food, she might as well make the decision and offer. “I should be heading out. Would you like to grab some lunch with me? By the time you get back here after, there should be more people around.”
(210/1547/7)
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Post by Ichibey on Apr 22, 2023 14:01:34 GMT
Kagami watched closely as Belle gave her the demonstration. Every little motion of her fingers, how much force was to be applied to the keys to produce just the right quality of notes. There really was a world of difference when you could focus on something 100%. "Yes, I think you can do that with enough practise, Kagami." Nanabey spent a few moments inspecting the demonstration before going back to the sheet music. "Yes, I imagine these would produce a pleasant reaction when played correctly."Before Kagami could say anything, however, Belle's phone started buzzing, apparently an alarm she'd set up to remind her to eat lunch. "Oh dear, I'm sorry. I must've disturbed your lunch break." She bowed apologetically. Although thinking about it again, Kagami didn't see her setting up the alarm, so maybe this was just something she normally had? In any case, it was lunch time, so she helped pack the sheet. Nanabey hopped off the pile that she was inspecting and pushed some over as well. "Sure, we'd love to have lunch with you!"Well... she couldn't speak for Nanabey, but Kagami was sure she would enjoy lunch out with her new musical senpai. "Things can get more interesting ona full stomach."And given summer was over, then she wouldn't be falling asleep any time soon. [220/2271/8] Belle Fey
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