Innocents Abroad

The question “what it is like being an American in my orchestra” is one which really gets the wheels turning . I feel I am well integrated into life in the Orchestra as well as here in Germany. Fluent in the language, I have no problems of comprehension, however my accent gives me away as being a “native english speaker”. Having a German wife who is also a language teacher helps a lot, especially proof reading my written German correspondence. (German is a language in which it is very easy to make mistakes.)

The ex-pats do socialize with the majority group. There a few other (4) Americans in my orchestra , most who have been here also quite a while. We basically go our separate ways but it is nice to have a chat in the vernacular now and then.

The rehearsals are of course conducted in German except if the guest conductor is not fluent enough in German. Then usually English is spoken. Most Germans understand some English, some are nearly fluent, and a few understand next to nothing. If a guest conductor only speaks English it can cause problems since not all of the members are really getting the message and few musicians want to admit that they are not completely following. However, I would say that usually there is no problem of communication.

In my first years here I was more homesick than I am now. I have changed and have adjusted too. For instance, I used to be a baseball fan but have now switched my allegiance to soccer, FC Bayern taking the place of the Philadelphia Phillies. Having children, who are bi-lingual but raised here, is in a sense a form of rebirth since you do grow with them.

Yes I do miss friends and family, but it has become easier to stay in touch. One of the advantages of globalization has been the increasing ease of communication around the world. The advent of the internet, and the deregulation of the telephone companies both here and in the States has caused a drastic drop in trans-Atlantic phone rates. When I first came to Europe, a telephone call cost about $7/minute. Now it costs just a few cents. Our virtual discussion group here is the best example of how the world has “shrunk”.

I do try to get back to the States at least once a year, sometimes this has been in the form of orchestra tours. Air travel has become more bothersome now with the increased security regulations. The costs seem to have remained pretty constant- price cuts due to increased competition have been offset by rising energy costs as well as security surcharges.

One last note: I don’t want to get into a political discussion but I would observe that since 2000 with the coming of the Bush Administration, German-American relations have deteriorated greatly. America is seen here as being unilateral, aggressive, environmentally irresponsible and self-centered. Right after 9-11, there was great sympathy and an expression of solidarity which mostly evaporated with the Iraq war.

There are many other cultural differences one could go into. For me, living here has been an enriching experience even though I shall always look upon myself as an American. One of the funniest experience I ever had was years ago on tour with the Philarharmonic in Chicago. As I paid my extra room charges, the hotel clerk said to me, “Gee, your English is really good!” The German colleagues still get a rise out of that one.