I assume you are playing classical music since you are in a school band.
I don't think it would be the mouthpeice. If however you are playing classical perhaps some of the problem could come from the reed you have chosen. A vandoren Java 3 is a Jazz reed, and playing on a "classical" mouthpiece could have some problems. My suggustion, is have you PT play your exact set up (use a different reed though). If he has problems with it, I would see what he suggest. If he doesn't then it could be the player.
I would have to disagree one of the most important things is tone. IF you sound bad it doesn't matter how good you play, but no one will want to lesson to you.
My .02
~Carbs
I don't think it would be the mouthpeice. If however you are playing classical perhaps some of the problem could come from the reed you have chosen. A vandoren Java 3 is a Jazz reed, and playing on a "classical" mouthpiece could have some problems. My suggustion, is have you PT play your exact set up (use a different reed though). If he has problems with it, I would see what he suggest. If he doesn't then it could be the player.
I would have to disagree one of the most important things is tone. IF you sound bad it doesn't matter how good you play, but no one will want to lesson to you.
My .02
~Carbs
