I consider myself the quintessential “non-traditional” euphonium student.
I began instruction on a Cool Wind euphonium in June 2019, took lessons with a great teacher, and practiced with no teacher contact an hour a day, every day until a somewhat normal schedule was resumed in 2022. Now back to lessons.
Since the CoolWind I’ve played a Conn Connstellation, an older uncompensating Willson, and a newer uncompensating (updated) Willson. I’ve also played a compensating euphonium along the way. I’ve learned plenty from each instrument and been lucky to get each of them.
So I’m almost 80, moderate arthritis in fingers, otherwise very healthy, good-excellent sight reader, holding my own in a group playing grade 3-4-5 grade level wind ensemble repertoire. My ability to play in tune embarrasses me. A lot.
Yesterday in a lesson I was told that my intonation issues are probably related to the instrument I play.
I’d researched the 4 valve Adams Sonic prior to the last few weeks, and seeing the Adams Sonic 5 valve, quickly realized that it was likely to be my best bet.
The problem? The “6 to 8 month” wait for delivery. I can get a 4 valve Sonic within the next few weeks. Seriously, what would you do?