| I studied there while Prof Wenkel was still active. I think he is retiring soon.
Here is a small count of the most successful Wenkel students:
-both principals of the Gewandhaus
-both principals of the Dresden Opera (Staatskapelle)
-one of the principals of the Hamburg Radio
-one of the principals of the Berlin Komische Oper
-one of the principals of the Weimar Opera
-various competition winners
-various section players in first class orchestras
This was, and still might be, the best place in east Germany for double bass.
The new professor might be a Wenkel student as well, in any case, this is such a well paid position (better than any orchestra) that they are likely to get a first class player, which doesn't always mean they will be a great teacher.
As far as comparing with the USA, it's very different, very very different. But it will broaden your skills and once you go back home, after a brief period of readjustment, you will be a much better musician, much much better. | 
