Variation on a Waiting Theme was born from an open call for scores to be featured in the 2026 UNT University Singers choral collaboration with the Haven Trio. These scores would be used as “voting music”, to be performed by the ensemble while the audience voted on the next concert piece. The basic parameters were simple: no more than a minute long, no spoken words, and avoid inserting too much difficulty. Of course, hearing this sparked one central question.

 

How much can I fit into one minute of music?

 

The result of this was Variation on a Waiting Theme. Inspired by the idea of “waiting music”, the piece features the Jeopardy theme as a central motif. This theme is then altered significantly, in an attempt to pair the popularity of the theme with a jazz-inspired harmonic background. The theme is passed around the ensemble in different ways, and as a result, the piece succeeds in creating a lush musical environment while being ironically funny at the same time.

 

This piece could not have happened without the help and support of so many people. Thank you to Dr. Marques L.A. Garrett, Professor Kesselman, Professor Luevano,  Professor Koga and the UNT University Singers for helping this piece come to life.