I thought I would post this to give encouragement to those of you who are thinking of returning to playing.
My background: played Euphonium when younger with a British Brass Band until I was 16yrs old. At that time I joined the Army as a bandsman but due to no vancancies for Euphonium players I was offered the option of a job if I was prepared to learn woodwind, which I did. I left the army in 1992 after 8 1/2 yrs, being a solo clarinetist for the last few years of service.
It was then that I gave up music until March 2018 when I’d decided I needed a hobby and wanted to play Euphonium again. After a 35yr break I was unsure if this was even possible but after seeing a vacancy in a local brass band decided to give it a go.
It hasn’t been easy but through practice, practice and practice I have managed to get up to a reasonable standard in the 10 months since starting back. There have been frustrating times but also enjoyable times. It still doesn’t feel natural but is getting there.
The bands solo Euphonium player left the band just before Christmas so I had to step up to the challenge for all the Christmas concerts which was hard work but also enjoyable. Since then I have remained in the solo seat with a new player joining the band playing 2nd Euphonium alongside me.
Last weekend was the highlight since I returned to playing. A Brass Band contest where I was playing solo Euphonium for the very first time. Not only did we win but I also won the prize for best Euphonium in our section.
I hope this gives some encouragement to those players who are returning or thinking of returning after a long break from playing. It’s not easy, but well worth it if you stick at it.
Here a link to the recording of our winning performance if anyone is interested. It’s only recorded on a phone so not the best quality.
https://youtu.be/DxFw46dRnmg
Here’s my award: