I know that Euphinator is thinking at this time about a career as a euphonium performer. When I was a Junior in high school, I thought about the same thing. I auditioned into the first chair for the 1968 and 1969 all-California State Honor bands and had the opportunity to play Pictures at an Exhibition (Bydlo) under Frederick Fennell. But I also had the benefit of having parents who were music teachers and professional musicians and knew pretty well how limited the career options were. Since I only wanted to play the horn and not to teach, I decided to major in computer science at UC Berkeley, graduating in 1973. While I played at least 20-30 hrs/week for my entire college career, I ended up with a very marketable set of skills outside of music after graduation. Despite spending 28 years in high-tech before retiring to become a math teacher 12 years ago, I have also been a euphonium player/performer at a high amateur level for over 40 years now. I started taking lessons again 5 1/2 years ago and have been able to travel throughout the US and England and enjoy my third career (part-time euphonium player in local and regional ensembles) for the last 4 years.
My point is that while the US military bands (whether premier or not) are generally the only full-time non-teaching performing opportunity for a euphonium player in the US, one can still have an entirely different career, perform at a high level, and maintain your musical skills on a lifelong basis without having to compete for one of those incredibly scarce positions.
Doug
Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band