Wait

Performance Notes

 WAIT is a colorful, comical piece that has theatrical and vocal components throughout.  This piece is best suited for elementary- to middle school level ensembles.  Rhythmically, WAIT consists of ¼, ½ and whole rests, ¼ notes and 1/8^th notes in groups of 2 and 4.

 Often, when a student has a question, he/she will say, “wait” instead of raising a hand or delcaring, “I have a question.”  It is in the spirit of hearing this WAY TOO MANY times that this piece is written.

 At letters A and B, the entire ensemble is instructed to ramble-away, like hearing a crowd.  The sky’s the limit on a topic!  They resume the piece on cue.  After the “mad exhale” parts, the shouting of “Wait”, “Hold it” and “Stop” is meant to function as an interruption to their playing.  The flex-a-tone entrance, 2 measures before E, should be perceived as an unwelcomed mistake.  All players look at this player with a ‘what-happened’ look.

 TIPS:  For letters A and B, you may choose a mutually agreed-upon topic for them to ‘argue’ about OR students may pretend their instruments are broken as they attempt to look around at them to figure out what is wrong.  The pause, one measure before the piece’s end can be as long as you decide.  Players may engage with each other once more i.e., shake their heads in confusion or freeze.

 “Mini Crash Cymbals” usually come in a box of class rhythm instruments.  They are referred to as “brass cymbals.”

Listen to Wait