Have you ever wondered who is behind all the walk-on and walk-off music at the Oscars ceremony? The music that plays when an award nominee walks on-stage to accept the award, or the music that plays them off when their speech goes on too long. Today on AirTalk, we sit down with composer and lead music arranger for the Academy Awards, Chris Walden. Walden writes all the walk-on and walk-off music for the ceremony. Because winners are not known until the live broadcast, Walden must plan for all contingencies, arranging over 115 pieces of music, each unique to every possible winner. We talk to Walden about what goes into preparing music for the ceremony.

Chris Walden is the founder and artistic director of the Pacific Jazz Orchestra. He will be conducting the 40-piece hybrid big band and string orchestra for a Valentine’s Day performance at The Soraya called “Love Inside Out,” headlined by vocalist Veronica Swift. The concert is on Saturday, February 14, at 8:00 pm. Many of the ensemble's players also perform in the Academy Awards orchestra. You can get tickets here.