Spend more time playing your instrument outside rehearsals. You will improve. How long did it take for you to learn “walking”? Or “driving a car”? It takes time. There are no shortcuts. You need the horn on your face more.
What should you practice? The stuff you’re not good at, of course! But do it the “perfect practice” way: play slowly enough that everything you do is perfect. Firstly, perfect rhythm, then add to it perfect notes, and finally, perfect accent marks, etc. Make perfection your goal every time you play. Increase speed only when you have mastered the music slowly.
Rinse, repeat.
Next time, I’ll share the secret of playing high notes!
Stay tuned…