A total was/were

'were' sounds right...

You should use "were". Number, majority and total are singular if preceded by the, but plural if preceded by a.

A number of people believe he is innocent.
A majority of residents want the town to reduce the recreation fee.
A total of 15 people were arrested for burglary last month in our town.

But: The number of residents who signed the petition has grown.

Thanks, Region and Contrex.