Students earn prizes at annual Yee Memorial Prize Composition Competition

Sean O’Brien, a senior student majoring in music creative technologies, has been awarded first prize at the fifth annual Jessie S. Yee Memorial Prize Composition Competition, a competition recognizing outstanding original works by student composers from all backgrounds and departments.

Adrian “AJ” Fucito, a junior student majoring in music creative technologies, earned second prize, and Nathan Sprouse, a senior student majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in music production, technology, and composition, received third prize. Their works were selected by a diverse panel of composition and music production faculty.

The prize was established in 2022 by Charles Nichols, professor of composition and music production, alongside Gordon Yee, associate professor of chemistry, in honor of his mother and avid supporter of the arts, Jessie S. Yee. The competition is open to all graduate and undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, regardless of degree program, reflecting Yee’s belief that artistic exploration is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Inspired by the Steger-Giovanni Poetry Prize, the competition was created to encourage students to share their creative work and grow in ways that extend beyond the classroom. 

The 2026 competition was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of composition and music production faculty, including Roydon Tse, assistant professor of composition and theory at the University of Saskatchewan and winner of the 2026 Yee Commission;  Kyle Simpson, assistant professor of commercial media composition at California State University, Northridge; and Susan Green, assistant professor of practice at the University of Miami. The panel’s diverse expertise contributed to a thoughtful and balanced review process. The composers of the three winning compositions received $500 for first prize, $200 for second prize, and $100 for third prize.

'Secret of Kells Rescore'

O’Brien designed a screen score set to scenes from the film “The Secret of Kells," blending traditional Celtic instrumentation with orchestral elements to fit the scenes cinematically. “Celtic music has always been one of my biggest passions, so this project gave me the opportunity to fully explore my creativity within the genre I love,” said O’Brien, “I am thankful for the Virginia Tech music program and the professors who have supported and encouraged me throughout my studies.”

'All for Naught'

Fucito’s work is a rescore of the final scene of “Stalker,” inspired by the film’s danger and toxicity, as well as Hildur Guðnadóttir’s soundtrack to “Chernobyl.” “I wanted the music to be almost as raw and industrial as the general ambience of the decommissioned chemical plant shown in the movie,” said Fucito. “This piece is a big step forward for me as a composer, and seeing that people appreciated my work on the film means a lot.”

'Stories of Myth, Mvmt III: Compassion'

Sprouse’s piece is an excerpt from his larger multi-movement work depicting fictional folk stories. The third movement, “Compassion,” portrays a culture’s benevolent deity who brings nourishment, comfort, and healing to their people, told through intertwining motifs representing divinity and humanity. “Winning the prize has been a major inspiration for me,” said Sprouse, “it pushes me to keep exploring and writing.” 

For Gordon Yee, supporting the prize continues to be a meaningful way to honor his mother’s love of the arts and encourages students to pursue their creativity in whatever shape it takes in their lives. “It has been rewarding to talk to some of the winners over the years, to hear their stories, and to make a connection,” said Yee, “prizes like these support and encourage creativity and growth in other dimensions of their lives that may not be vital to a future job, but will lead to them becoming better people.”