Carson McCullers Composer Residency Program

Columbus State University's Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians, in collaboration with the Schwob School of Music, established the Carson McCullers Composer Residency Program in 2006. Made possible by contributions to CSU's Capital Campaign, the program annually commissioned an internationally-known composer to write a new work for the CSU Percussion Ensemble, which then performed the world premiere of the commissioned piece. In addition, the CSU Contemporary Music Ensemble each spring presented an entire program dedicated to the guest composer's work, an activity that involved many students and faculty members working closely with the composer in rehearsals during the week leading up to the concert. During this time, the guest composer resided in the Carson McCullers House on Stark Avenue in Columbus.

Following the success of the 2006 Composer Residency Program, a second Composer Residency was added, this one in guitar, directed by Dr. Andrew Zohn.

Guest composers have been:

• Eric Moe (2006, percussion)
• Brian Cherney (2007, percussion)
• Atanas Ourkouzounov (2007, guitar)
• Nico Muhly (2008, percussion)
• Carlos Rafael Rivera (2008, guitar)
• Sergio Assad (2010, guitar)