Mellophone / trumpet holding up for marching band, neck hurts?

Question

When I hold my mellophone up parallel to the ground my neck hurts fast, i think my head may be tilting back too much, but is this normal at first because I just started, or should I be pushing out my jaw more and being able to angle without tilting the head so much.

Answer 1

Relax your neck. The muscles holding up your instrument should be in your shoulders and upper arms, not from a stiff neck. When you're standing at attention, align your spine so that it's vertical to the ground - push your pelvis (hips) back, push your chest forward, and remember to roll your shoulders up, back, and down. One misstep in posture hurts your entire form, so remember to keep good posture. Good luck!  

Answer 2

its obvious you are playing too tense. triangulate your horn, but keep your shoulders and neck relaxed & loose.

when you feel the tension, roll your neck slowly-then roll your shoulders back too.

everything we do in playing & field marching should appear relaxed.