DS belongs to an "ensemble group" (not school or band related) which has classes every other week - this is more fun than work for him because there are a few kids there who are not at his level yet and hence they play easy pieces. But, he gets a lot of enjoyment and ensemble practice.
Ashley's point reminds me that, when I was learning violin, I was a beginner in an advanced group-- easily the weakest member by a large margin. If I can offer any advice for personal growth, be it in music or otherwise, it would be to find a group that allows you to aspire to mastery. Don't be afraid to be the weakest; it's the best position to be in because you stand to learn so much from those around you! Aspire, learn, evolve, repeat. When it stops being hard, it's time to ratchet up the challenge! There's no shame in imperfection, only in missing a learning opportunity.
