Frank D. Willis, classical pianist and composer, was considered a child prodigy, performing at Carnegie Hall at the age of 12 and again at 14. Willis won a scholarship to attend the Peabody Conservatory of Music at the age of 16. Willis attended Peabody from 1968 to 1973, studying composition under Louis Cheslock. In 1974, Willis composed the Agamemnon Overture, which took first prize in the National Music Fraternity Competition. Willis’ Symphony No. 1 was performed twice in 1988 by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barry Tuckwell. Willis became a composer and conductor for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and taught private piano and music theory lessons in Martinsburg, West Virginia. In 1991 he was appointed composer-in-residence to the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Willis received several commissions to compose pieces for famous pianists such as Martin Berkowski. He also served as choir director and organist for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and was resident pianist for the Sheraton Martinsburg Inn. Willis died in 1993.