Mellophone would actually be my 5th instrument. The other instruments haven't caused any damage to my skill with my main instrument. If anything it's made me a better musician. My band directors don't let anyone play different instruments. It has nothing to do with me and my oboe or clarinet skills, it's just them being jerks. I know I have a lot of time, but I haven't been this ambitious about something for a while and I'll stop at nothing to make my dream come true. The earlier I start, the better chance I have.