Also, my band director suggested I try a harder reed, but it didn't give me any better results. Any suggestions? I don't want to keep playing on a mouthpiece that isn't right for me.

I double on alto and tenor and play a more open setup on tenor than I do on alto. You're going to need more control for playing alto, and for that you'll need a more closed setup. If you are going to be playing legit alto, might I recommend the Rousseau NC-4 for concert band playing . . . it will be more closed, but will be similar in feel to what you have on tenor. If you are concerned with how much you are biting, might I recommend using a softer mouthpiece patch on top--that will help you to ease up on your bite. The Meyer is a good all-purpose mouthpiece, but if you are strictly doing legit concert band stuff, the Rousseau is a good way to go. There are other mouthpieces you might want to try, but I would recommend sticking to a round chambered mouthpiece (although the Rousseau is horseshoe chambered). So if you try out Selmer mouthpieces, make sure you go with a round chamber--avoid a square chambered mouthpiece (such as the C*80) as it will alter your airstream too much. As far as trying out mouthpieces before you buy is concerned, a number of online vendors will give you a trial period (granted you pay for all shipping costs even if you send all the mouthpiece back). I've written a fairly comprehensive article on mouthpiece selection, which points out why I recommend something with a round chamber. The article is in two parts and can be found at the following link: www.saxophone.us/sax/sax_mouthpieces_the_working_saxophonist.html Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.