Welcome to Gaia! ::

I just got one for marching and holy crap! My face and ears hurt from those high notes. and i'm having problems with note from high e and up. It's so adorable, but so painful! Anyone with similar issues? Any tips?

lol i had the same problem when i first picked up one....

your face is going to hurt alot untill you get used to the lip position...and if your ears hurt go and get some little ear pluggs they work WONDERS! and you can still hear the rest of the band with them in.....

iv been playing it for 4 years and i still have problems with playing it....sometimes i can try and play an Aflat right above the bar lines and i end up playing a double high A flat.....but i have troubles with the double high B flat....... you just need lots of air support and your lips need to be tight......!

good luck!