I was ready to audition for a major symphony at 18 but stopped because concerts always conflicted with meeting nights. Would have probably made it through the audition because my teacher was 1st chair in that section of the orchestra. The audition was just a formality.
But I did get to conduct the orchestra at my circuit assemblies. (back when we had live music)
Got tired of draft dodging pioneering and janitorial work at age 21 in 1966. Decided to go to assembly in Toronto and start attending University in the fall. They released the book "Life Everlasting in the Freedom of Son's of God" That was the publication that started the 1975 fiasco. I decided at that assembly to NOT go to college. After all, I could do janitorial work for the 9 years that remained to this system.
I have now been doing janitorial work for 47 years.
The really depressing thing is I had very liberal witness parents who were very active in the congregation. They repeatedly told me to go to college and were willing to pay whatever I needed. Instead I chose to pioneer and they refused to help me financially with "serving Jehovah".
Kinda my fault.