prepare (and perhaps work to save money for college and pay for lessons).
for the second part of your question. one, i think this is a common problem for all wind/brass teachers in most places (i even run into this attitude occasionally as a violin/viola teacher, since the schools here do have strong programs and occasionally a talented student will do well without private lessons (very unusual)). you may already do this, but do you have a relationship with (or at least contact with) the band directors in your area? i try to contact the orchestra directors of the students i teach (especially when my student is doing well in their 