This recording is a tribute to composer-percussionist Michael Manion (1952-2012). Manion suffered a severe, disabling stroke in 2009 and a concert in his honor was presented by the University of Illinois Percussion Ensemble directed by William Moersch that included the premiere of Maniondala, written by Robert Fleisher for Michael Manion. There is a broad spectrum of percussion music on this recording, with works written between 1927 and 2009. It includes some of the earliest percussion ensemble compositions and three world premiere recordings: Fleisher's Maniondala; Manion's Long Roll II; and Stephen Lett's Junta. The University of Illinois Percussion Ensemble was established in 1950 and specializes in the performance of traditional and contemporary repertoire for small and large groups. Gregory Beyer, the soloist for Maniondala is a Fulbright Scholar, composer, educator, and "prodigiously talented percussionist" (Chicago Classical Review).