Your Opinions Are Valued about what I should do next-
May is my Anniversary Month. I started lessons on my plastic euphonium in May 2019, with an amazing teacher.
I began playing in a community band around the same time. Then of course, the pandemic.
I have had what I estimate to be about a year’s equivalent in lessons because of pandemic disruptions, and since late January ‘22 have added a very good local college wind ensemble to my experiences.
My present playing level allows me to play Holst’s 2nd Suite not quite at tempo but very close.
My original interest was to play tuba. All of my best experience prior to what I’m doing currently was on bass clarinet, which I’d still be playing if my hands weren’t riddled with arthritis.
My question- I’m truly thrilled to have gotten as far as I have on euphonium in 3 years, but I continue to long to play true bass parts. I know how to be the lowest voice, drive a tempo, and all that goes with bass instruments. As an avid score reader and by watching local instrumentation trends I’ve JUST realized that bass trombone MIGHT be a better match for me than euphonium.
As old as I am (decades and decades) I want to be playing the instrument that will give me at LEAST 5 more years of active playing, and more if my health holds out.
Should I take a wack at bass trombone? I’m currently playing an amazing uncompensating large bore euphonium, and ergonomics definitely count in whatever I do moving forward. Thanks in advance for your input.