Instrument Advice
 

I'm in need of advice regarding which instrument to choose. I'm an adult beginner (56) who has not played anything, ever. I've always wanted to, but career and kids have taken up all my time. Now I have a job that demands less of my time and the kids have grown and flown, so it's a good time to start.

My goal is to eventually play in a community orchestra or band, so I'd like to choose an instrument that will allow me to do so. Trouble is, I have no experience at all and don't know what to choose. Do I go with a string instrument (which would be orchestra only), or a woodwind or brass instrument?

I'd like something reasonably portable (I have a small car), so a cello, double bass, or tuba is probably out.

I live in an area that probably has lots of instructors available for various instruments, but I don't even know where to start. I've browsed in a few local music stores, but aside from guitars it doesn't appear that they encourage customers to try their instruments out, especially the wind instruments, and most of them are behind the counter anyway.

I'm looking for something that's relatively easy to learn (although I realize that none are trivial and all require dedication and hard work) so that I can join a community group within a few years.

Are you suffering from any arthritus? I only ask because I'm also 56 and have a bit of it.