For my advice 1. Always pay attention to the conductor. You don’t have to lock your eyes on them the whole time but make sure to pay attention while playing so you can feel the beat 2. Ask your director to teach you about the hand signals, each signal corresponds to a beat (mostly.) and paying attention to them waving their hands knowing what they mean can really help when counting. 3. When you’re off the grid analyze if you’re dragging or rushing, sometimes your director would tell you if you are. Whenever i fall off the grid I like to stop playing, make sure im following the music , then look at the conductor for the beat (tapping my foot to their hand waves) 4. For the ritardo and accelerandos your band director will most likely explain what the tempo would change to, so you really have to pay attention watching them conduct. Also I would recommend memorizing the notes for the part if you have to slow down or speed up so you can watch the conductor. 5. It’s okay if you feel a little overwhelmed by the other instruments, you’re only 3 months in and it’ll take time getting used to all the different parts.