New Braunfels High School senior Logan Bachman has achieved something amazing! After years of hard work and determination, he has earned 1st chair for guitar in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Jazz Ensemble.

“It’s extremely rewarding. This has been a long time goal of mine, and to achieve the result I’ve desired for so long makes every hour of practice worth it,” Bachman said. “The disappointment I felt in previous years results only pushed me to be better than I thought I could be, and the growth I experienced because of this is invaluable to me.”

The All-State Jazz Ensemble performs at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio in February. At TMEA there will be over 30,000 attendees, including 10,000 active music educators

“I still feel the jitters in my stomach when I think about it. The pride and gratitude I feel when I see my name on that All-State list is incomparable,” he said. “I am very excited to have this opportunity and to be able to say that I am the best high school guitar player in the state.”

His Mighty Unicorn Band Director David Eckert said it hasn’t been an easy path for Bachman as he had come up just short in his sophomore and junior years.

“Two years ago, Logan placed fourth in the state, which meant he just missed making the All-State Jazz group by only two spots. Not giving up, he practiced even harder and came back last year to place third, missing out by just one spot,” Eckert said. “This year, determined to make it, Logan practiced even more. He then got the news that his hard work had paid off—Logan was selected as the top guitarist in Texas!”

Beginning each fall, more than 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. Out of the thousands of students who auditioned, Bachman was selected as the top in the state.

“Over the years I focused on developing my understanding of the jazz language, which has allowed me to express myself freely. I listened to many of the great jazz guitar players, analyzed their playing, and incorporated the aspects of their playing that I liked,” Bachman said. “More than this I dedicated many hours to honing my craft and I took any opportunity I could to just play and express myself, even if I only had a few minutes. I think my love for the instrument and for the music I was making is what propelled me to the top.”

But Bachman said he couldn’t do without a support system by his side.

” I would like to just say a quick thank you to my director Mr. Eckert for sharing his love for jazz, and to my family for supporting my aspirations,” he said. 

Eckert added that the NBHS Unicorn Band and the whole community are incredibly proud of Logan. He’s proof that dedication and perseverance can help you reach your goals. Congratulations, Logan, on being #1 in Texas!