 The Glee Club commissioned Thompson to write the piece in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of University founder Thomas Jefferson.The group continues to commission choral works for men's voices; recent examples include a men's voices version of James Erb's often performed version of "Shenandoah," and "Young T.J.", commissioned by the Glee Club from composer Neely Bruce in honor of Thomas Jefferson's 250th birthday.The latter piece was performed at various celebrations of Jefferson's 250th birthday on April 13, 1993, including a special performance for President Bill Clinton.