BIG THINGS (2026)

for Band (Grade 4)

Duration: 10’

Commissioned by Dr Lucas H Petersen, Purdue University

First performed 20 February 2026, Purdue Collegiate Band I, Lucas Petersen, The Long Centre, Lafayette, IN, USA

Archival recording available at request

Out of consortium exclusivity February 2027

Program Note

i. Big Smoke

ii. Big Boots

iii. Big Heart

Written in three movements, Big Things is all about…well, big things. From the urban feel of Big Smoke to the swagger of Big Boots, to the courageous spirit of Big Heart. Think big city buzz, big attitude, and big endings. When first writing the work, my ear was drawn to masses of big bold sounds: a mix of big contrasts, big grooves, and big beats.

In Australia, we often refer to large cities as the ‘big smoke’. With more than a trace of disco, the opening movement captures the bustling, bursting energy of big cities, imagining a streetscape dancefloor flooded with commuters. Big Boots embraces a sleazy funk groove with a smattering of honky-tonk. With big boots to fill, who better to call on than the bass section? This movement offers plenty of swagger, stomp, and bass breakdowns. The final movement, Big Heart, is a big ending in disguise. Featuring numerous soloists in the lyrical first half, melodic strains and lines become increasingly entangled throughout. This lyrical web ultimately gives way to triumph, showcasing two contrasting sides of what I like to think of as the heart of band.    

Consortium Members

Lucas Petersen, Purdue University Collegiate Band I, Purdue University

Nicholas P. Waldron, Cal Poly Symphonic Band, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Matt Smith, University of Kansas Bands, University of Kansas

Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, The Pennsylvania State University

Bethany Amundson, University of South Dakota Symphonic Band, University of South Dakota

M. Cory Schmitt, Austin Peay State University Symphonic Band, Austin Peay State University

Tom Davoren, Wind Ensemble, Benedictine College

Darrell Brown, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Georgia Southern University

Erin Bodnar, WMEA All-State Wind Ensemble, University of Washington

David Vickerman, San José State University Wind Ensemble, San José State University

Ken Thompson, Symphonic Band, College Band Directors National Association

Christopher Copeland, Clear Creek Amana Wind Ensemble, Clear Creek Amana High School

Byron Tinder, Gilbert High School 11-12 Concert Band, Gilbert High School

Logan Vander Wiel, Marion High School Wind Symphony, Marion High School

Ryan Arp & Nick Carlo, Liberty High School Wind Ensemble, Iowa City Liberty High School

Brandon Weeks, North Polk 11-12 Wind Ensemble, North Polk Community School District

Dameon Place, Pella Community High School 11-12 Concert Band, Pella Community High School

Ryan Middleton & Brian Zeglis, Iowa City West Wind Ensemble, Iowa City West High School

Michael Hornback, Winterset Wind Ensemble, Winterset High School

Michael Prichard, Le Mars Concert Band, Le Mars Community Music Boosters

Jay Gephart, Indiana Wind Symphony, Carmel, IN

Fiona Lucas, Sydney Wind Symphony, NSW, Australia

Sarah Feltham, The King's School, NSW, Australia

Sandy Robertson, Shore School, NSW, Australia

Brad Turner, St. Peter's College, SA, Australia

Bryan Griffiths, Adelaide Wind Orchestra, SA, Australia

Rick Keenan, Eltham High School Symphonic Band, VIC, Australia

Chris Day, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Concert Band, VIC, Australia

Paul De Cinque, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia

Performances

3 October, Adelaide Wind Orchestra, Bryan Griffiths, ANBOC Conference, Sydney Conservatorium, Verbrugghen Hall, NSW

19 September, Adelaide Wind Orchestra, Bryan Griffiths, Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, SA

26 August, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Concert Band, Chris Day, Iain Potter Centre, Southbank, VIC

2 June, University of Washington Symphonic Band, Erin Bodnar, Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theatre, WA, USA

30 May, WMEA All-State Wind Ensemble, Erin Bodnar, Pantages Theatre, WA, USA

20 May, Big Heart, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Concert Band, Chris Day, Iain Potter Centre, Southbank, VIC

15 April, Big Boots, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Concert Band, Chris Day, Iain Potter Centre, VIC – Australian Premiere

5 March, Big Boots, Clear Creek Amana Wind Ensemble, Chris Copeland, CCA Performing Arts Centre, IA, USA

20 February 2026, Purdue Collegiate Band I, Lucas Petersen, The Long Centre, Lafayette, IN, USA - World Premiere