LL: Hi , I’m Lucas Liu. Today I will be your host for this podcast. Today we’ll be looking into the amazing life of the new band administrative assistant Margaret Bergmann, diving deep into her musical journey leading up to joining the MV community, picking up the trumpet in fourth grade, and being the only trumpet player in her band for most her life, up to becoming the administrative band assistant at MVHS.
LL: You started music as early as fourth grade. Tell us about how your musical journey began and why you chose trumpet.
MB: My musical journey did indeed begin around fourth grade, specifically, I think I may have been playing piano beforehand? The trumpet came in to be because I was offered the choices of trumpet, clarinet, trombone and flute in fourth grade. I did go to the San Jose Unified School District, and that was the offerings. I chose trumpet because I was short so the trombone would be too big for me. The clarinet and flute didn’t appease my tastes, and the trumpet was loud — and I liked loud. So, I think that’s why I chose trumpet.
LL: And throughout your musical career, what difficulties did you face and how did you manage to get past those hurdles?
MB: Interestingly enough, most of those hurdles were that I was female — a girl; Especially back when I started playing the trumpet, it wasn’t seen as a “girl’s instrument,” and so I remember always being the only girl in the trumpet section, having to spend a lot of time alone, having to encourage myself to practice even harder. And that is probably why I am considered an okay trumpet player. It traveled all the way with me through high school, especially. Again, I was the only girl in the trumpet section until I was a senior, and then there was a freshman, but I was always challenged with that. When I got into college, a similar situation, however, I was more embraced because it was college. But I believe that is probably my biggest hurdle was being female in a, if you were, a male dominated instrument — at least in my area of the world and at my time.
LL: And how is it like being the first ever soprano trumpet in the Santa Clara Vanguard?
MB: Boy, was that hard. I went to San Jose State University and was in the marching band. In my freshman year, I was encouraged to try out for the Vanguard. However, at the time, they did not have any females in their horn lines. That once again was a huge hurdle. Fortunately, I knew some of the folks already from college, who were peers who are also marching in the drum Corps, as well as I knew some of the instructors. Not to say, I still did not have an incredibly difficult time. Once again, spending a lot of time alone, needing to prove myself over and over again musically and physically. Physically, it was very hard to do the shows, the performances , the rehearsals. It wasn’t necessarily meant for females to be doing some of the acrobatics at the time.
LL: And what were some notable or memorable bands you’ve been in, and what was your hardest achievement in them?
MB: Well, other than the San Jose State University marching band — we went to Hawaii a few times and were able to do an awful lot of recruiting with our local high schools — I would say marching in the Santa Clara Vanguard drum and bugle Corps was probably the cherry on top of my performing accolades.
LL: And what was the most satisfying part of your musical?
MB: I feel that it is continuing. My musical journey has not ended. Currently as an administrative assistant, which I have never been before, I am learning an awful lot. But I am so overwhelmed by being able to be around such amazing musicians, student musicians and adults that come in to assist with these student musicians and to be part of my love for music. To Be able to go to the marching band shows and the percussion shows that I am involved with as well as just listening to the rehearsals every day and the classes. Probably is part of my journey as well.
LL: And what was your goal at the time, and how has it changed?
MB: My musical goal was just to enjoy, because I do love music and to be able to participate in things that were a little more difficult and challenging. I haven’t played my trumpet in a little while. But I feel that I would like to once again perform at least maybe in a Symphony type situation or. A Wind Ensemble type thing?
LL: And did you reach your goals?
MB: I think I’m still reaching for my goals, my goals will be forever changing!
LL: And how did you end up at MVHS?
MB: How did I end up in MVHS? Well In all truth, Mr John Gilchrist happens to be my son-in-law and I was at the dinner table one night, and I was asked if I could help out for a little while, which has turned into a coaching type position here in MVHS with being the admin assistant. And, so far, so good. He hasn’t told me to leave yet.
LL: Does music run in the family?
MB: Let’s see my father used to play the radio. If that counts, my sister played piano and was very, very good. She also sang. She actually ended up singing in a choir that recorded for Barry Manilow years and years ago, on his one voice album. My brother tried the clarinet for a while, but he rather plays soccer. If you look back in my history with my maiden name of Minkas, there is an Austrian violinist and conductor that may or may not be related to our family on my father’s side.
LL: And what have you experienced at the MVHS event currently?
MB: I have had the best experience here at MVHS. From the staff to the student body to the parents and boosters. I have been welcomed with open arms. I have been supported tremendously by all of the students here. It has been an amazing experience.
LL: And do you have any goals to contribute to the MVHS music program in any way?
MB: My goals are to make sure that number one, everyone has an instrument, everyone is dressed appropriately for their concerts, but ultimately, of course, to support Mr. Gilchrist and whatever it is he needs. Be it copying music or getting the binders together for all of the outside coaches to come in on a bi-monthly basis to make sure that instruments are repaired, that new cases are filled and folders are found, that music is found and lost children are found.
LL: And finally, I guess, what do you hope to accomplish in your future?
MB: Well, as a recently retired person who hasn’t truly retired, I hope to continue volunteering with many musical groups, including the Sparta ignite percussion group, mostly for winter time, and continuing to support the MVHS music department, as well as any of the individual students who might need A little extra help
LL: And is there anything else you’d like to add on?
MB: Once again, I am just thrilled to be a part of the MVHS family. I am so impressed by the quality of students who are here, who’s looking at me right now. Thank you and I just look forward to coming to work every day.
LL: That’s it for now! Thanks so much to Margaret Bergmann for finding the time to chat with me and let me learn more about her journey before MVHS!
Music used:
“Cuban Big Band” by Alana Jordan on Pixabay | Used with permission
“Uplifting Trumpet Melody” by Universfield on Pixabay | Used with permission
“Oh Happy Day – Jazz Music” by Clavier-Music on Pixabay | Used with permission
“Brass band jazz (2:47)” by Surprising _Media on Pixabay | Used with permission
