how to get started on the road ahead?

[Mudman]

Oh, and for any professionals, I would like to know what you were doing musically in high school just to see where I am at compared to where some one who made it was when they were in high school.

Listening to as much music as I could get my hands on. Beg borrow and steal to get every solo recording you can find. If bands are your interest, listen to as many band recordings as possible (Eastman Wind Ens, Dallas Wind Symphony). Be sure to throw in some of the major orchestral works that feature tuba.

Listening is probably THE most important thing you can do. (Practicing is a close second.) Once you have an inner concept of sound, it becomes easy to send it out your bell. When you practice, you need to have that mental goal of the right sound in your head.

Sean has listed some great recordings you should own under the "Library" link at the top of the page. I would add one CD to this list--Big Boy by Gene Pokorny. HUUUUGE sound and very musical.

[scottw]

. so what I am trying to find out about is how to get into another ensemble outside of class, sort of like a community band, and if their are different levels of groups I can join, so basically how would I find an ensemble near me?

Since you do not mention your location, we can't do much by way of personal recommendation. In general, though, this URL contains many community organizations, listed by state.
Hope it is helpful.

http://www.boerger.org/c-m/groups.shtml