How can i not get a ring around my lips when i play my euphonium?

Question

ever since i started playing, which was about 9 months ago, i always end up with a ring around my lips once i'm done playing

Answer 1

Good luck.  I've played trombone for five years, and I still have that problem.  The one thing I've found that helped is just practice.  Your mouth will get used to it, so it won't leave as much impression.  Another thing.  While playing, rub your lips a little, to get the circulation flowing.

Answer 2

Switch to trumpet

Answer 3

The only real way to do it would be to play without any pressure.  The bone guy at U of I, Chasanov I think was his name, used to preach this.  With no pressure you can get to the point where you can pull the mouthpiece away from your lips and be buzzing the same note.  I had actually gotten pretty good at this, though at the extreme ends of the register I couldn't do it.  Even with being able to do this though, I'd still get a ring, however it was down closer to my lip so it wasn't as noticeable.  

In doing this, the embochure (basically the shape of your lips) looks more like a pucker and the horn ends up pointing downward somewhat.  

Having said that - do what works for you and sounds best, and don't worry about the ring.