thanks for the info. Fortunately there are no other horns. I'm playing the tenor which seems to blend in best with the voices.

Sounds like you're on the right track. The best thing I can suggest is to play along with CD's and try to find the melody and the chord progressions. After a while, it will become second nature, and you'll be able to play anything. i've never been very good at reading music, and I haven't in so long now, I'd have a rough time playing in an orchestra again where I had to read. Most of my life I've played by ear. Just listen and follow along. When you work with a band, listen for the ques. I always listen to the drummer very carefully. Not only does he help me keep time, but the drummer often gives a lot of ques, like when to go to a chorus or bridge, chord changes, etc. I've sat in with groups and played songs I've never played before; a few I've never even heard before, and survived.