Hudson High Students chosen for Massachusetts Junior High Music Festival

HUDSON — Four Hudson High School students were selected to participate in the 2025-26 Massachusetts Music Educators Association Junior High Music Festival.

The festival includes nearly 1,000 students from more than 60 schools. The Hudson selections are Juliana Puleo (soprano), Dylan Chaves (trumpet), Gloria Ge (violin) and Connor Millette (alto saxophone).

Auditions were held Feb. 7, with three students representing Quinn Middle School and six representing Hudson High School. Following the auditions, four Hudson High students earned selection to the festival. The other Hudson students who auditioned were freshman Eva Castillo and Hunter Locke.

For many students, the audition process was both challenging and rewarding. Puleo described the experience as intense but worthwhile.

“The audition process was somewhat stressful but definitely worth it in the end. It felt surreal at Grafton High School, where the auditions were held, waiting outside those rooms while hyping up the other girls who were also waiting,” said Juliana Puleo.

After earning a spot in the festival, students expressed excitement about performing at a higher level. Millette emphasized the opportunity to grow alongside other talented musicians.

“Being selected to play in the music festival feels amazing, and I can’t wait to perform at a higher level with more skilled musicians,” said Connor Millette.

For Puleo, the selection carries personal significance as she reflects on her dedication and growth over time.

“Being selected for the festival means so much to me personally because this is the last year I could audition for the junior festival, and knowing my hard work paid off is an amazing feeling, especially since I haven’t sung in a choir in two years,” she said.

Preparation played a key role in students’ success, with consistent practice being a common theme. Chaves kept his approach simple and focused.

Eighth-grader Dylan Chaves said, “The audition process was just to keep practicing.”

Beyond the audition itself, students highlighted how the experience contributes to long-term growth as musicians. Ge noted the importance of learning how to handle pressure and prepare effectively.

“I feel like going through auditions is critical to growing as a musician because you need to learn how to manage your emotions and how to prepare, since auditions are vital to getting anywhere in the music industry,” said Gloria Ge.

Similarly, Millette reflected on how the festival has already influenced his mindset and future goals.

“Participating in the music festival has had an extremely positive effect on my growth as a musician and my future goals because it caused me to set my sights higher, practice more, and stay motivated,” said Millette.