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Years ago, in the late 1970s, Chuck Berginc joined the San Antonio Symphony as the orchestra's second trumpet. Chuck's career later took him to several years as principal trumpet in the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico and more recently (if 30 years can be considered recent) principal with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra as well as principal trumpet for the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.

Ever wonder what it takes to become a successful professional trumpet player? Everyone has their own story, so here is Chuck's, in his own words (and notes).

Each week on World Music (Saturday nights from 8-10 on KSTX 89.1 FM), I take a look at festivals happening around the world along with the music of the cultures. This week, supernatural celebrations abound in Mexico. 

CONGRESO DE BRUJOS

Catemaco, Mexico lies on the Gulf of Mexico in Veracruz. Normally a sedate, drowsy little town, it becomes the center of witchcraft next weekend. The National Congress of Witches will be underway.

As Oil Revenue Rises, Cost Of Living Follows

Trinity University is unveiling its first-ever wine release, a custom blend that brings an extra benefit to the school.

Winemaker Adam Lee is a Trinity alumnus now living in California's Sonoma County. He’s back in San Antonio to market his wines from the Siduri Winery to vendors across Central Texas -- and to kick off the wine he made specifically for his alma mater.

Lee said the idea came from a conversation with Trinity’s President, Dennis Ahlburg.

On Saturday, thousands of Texas school teachers and supporters of public education are expected to gather at the steps of the Capitol in Austin, and busloads of supporters are coming from San Antonio. The rally is called Save Texas Schools, and the goal is to convince the legislature and Governor Rick Perry to put back the billions of dollars that were cut from the public schools.

San Antonio State Representative Mike Villarreal is one of the rally’s organizers and speakers.

In the hurly-burly of a Piano competition there are selections that can make or break the chances of a competitor; pieces so difficult or dense that only a master musician can make them work for the audience and more importantly, the judges.

On the Piano this Sunday, we continue with music from the 2012 San Antonio International Piano Competition where two of the pianists "go big" in an effort to convince the judges that they have what it takes to be worthy of the gold medal.

Debussy

The William C. Hall Pipe Organ Competition turns 42

Saturday, March 2, undergraduate and graduate organists will compete for the 42nd annual Hall Pipe Organ Competition in San Antonio. This year there are a record number of entrants, something unusual for the competition, since sometimes they are unsure of whether or not they will get the minimum of five competitors!

The famous Victory or Death Letter written by William B. Travis during the fall of the Alamo will be returned to the shrine here in San Antonio on Friday.

Travis wrote the letter on Feb. 24, 1836 as a plea for help when the Alamo’s defenders were surrounded by several thousand Mexican troops; it's now been 177 years.