On Saturday, April 25, Hudson Locke, a junior at Southeast High School, performed as a vocal soloist at the State Music Festival held at Kansas Wesleyan University. He sang “Leave Me in Sorrow” by George Frideric Handel and “Money-O” by Michael Head.

To qualify for state competition, students must earn a Division I rating at the regional festival. Hudson has now qualified for state as a soloist during all three years of his high school career and has received a Division I rating at state each year. This year was especially notable, as he earned a perfect score — a rare accomplishment. Congratulations, Hudson!

In addition, three Southeast students were selected to participate in the 2026 Four State Honor Band. AJ Gray (tenor saxophone), Alexandria Gray (bass clarinet), and Hudson Locke (baritone saxophone) spent May 7 rehearsing at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts alongside approximately 200 other band students representing 34 schools.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for students to meet the composer of some of the music they performed. The day concluded with an evening concert shared with the PSU Wind Ensemble.