Strike 5

They say music is a universal language, but apparently the language of oboe doesn't translate.

I had my audition today with the university orchestra. There was one spot open and two people auditioning, and I figured that three years of college music major playing experience would hopefully give me a leg up on the non music major competition.

The audition came and went, and considering the circumstances (i.e. just moving to a foreign country and not having a lot of practice opportunities amidst the chaos) I played decently and I was satisfied. It was a weird setting - there were approximately 20 people sitting in the room listening to my audition.

Just a few minutes ago I got an email from the orchestra - summarized and translated, this is what it said:

"We're sorry to inform you that you didn't make the orchestra. As you well know, the American and German concepts of oboe tone are very different, and we feel that your tone will not blend in with this oboe section in the orchestra. It was a decision purely based on tone, not playing ability."

So there it is. The Technology University of Dresden Campus Orchestra, at a university without a music school, doesn't want me because I play like an American oboe player (imagine that). So now what are my options for decent ensembles if this orchestra won't even take me? I don't take it personally at all, and that's what makes it worse. It would have been easier to stomach if they said I didn't play well or the other guy outplayed me, but it is just because of cultural differences in the concept of sound.

Luckily I happened to meet the concertmaster of the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra today because he happens to be a Rotarian. I'll call him tomorrow and ask him about options. In addition, according to my music pedagogy professor they're gonna work it out so I can take classes at the Musikhochschule, but as of now no one has actually contacted me about it. Assuming that works, I'll see if I can get another foot in the door there.

But right now, I'm really not happy.