INTRODUCTION to and application of the TACTICONS™

For the wooden oak pieces I’ve coined the term, ‘tacticons’ because they combine a tactile sense of rhythm with a graphic image (or icon) that clarifies the relationship of musical time values.  For example:  1 foot = whole note, 6 in. = 1/2 note, 3 in. = 1/4 note and 1 1/2 in. = 1/8 note and 3/4 in. = 1/16s. Also, dotted values are included: 9 in.= dotted 1/2 note, 4.5 in. = dotted 1/4 note. Each tacticon is backed with Velcro fasteners so that they may be applied directly to lines and spaces of staff, directly under staff and/or on plain Velcro fabric display surface. Each tacticon segment is rounded at both ends to enable the hand to slide along the array without stopping so as to maintain a steady pace (as the fingers flow along the surface).

Here are some of the ways that the Tacticons may be applied:

• in combination with rhythm cards on plain display surface
• in combination with text (that may be rendered on laminated card stock (and similarly backed with VELCRO®brand fasteners).
• place directly under staff to provide a rhythm ‘skeleton’ guide to clarify melodic notation and/or introduce new rhythm patterns.
• place directly within the spaces and on the lines of the staff—as though they were note heads. The standard notation may be layered over the tacticons which thus act as guides in positioning (the standard notation).

The rhythm cards similarly, may be applied directly under staff or on plain fabric surface.  The rhythm cards and the tacticons may be presented alone or together and, provide the opportunity for the student to match one to the other and/or to text. A plain Velcro fabric backing may be ordered in white or black. If extensive study of rhythms is emphasized, the choice of black fabric allows spaces left between cards to serve as bar lines (so that bar lines do not need to be added).

Both the tacticons and the rhythm cards may be used to present a rhythm motive as a basis for improvisation, composition or as an ostinato figure to be applied with a given melody in poly-rhythmic development. 

Applying the tacticons to clarify rhythm:

• If applied off of the staff, position the tacticons in a straight line as though each segment were a car in a train. Align the tacticons relating each segment to the given         (or experimental) time values while leaving a slight gap between each segment of about 1/8 in. to 1/2 in. (These gaps serve to articulate the pattern and clarify the         extent of each related value).
  
  
• starting from the left of the tacticon array, sweep the hand at a steady pace over the tacticons to realize the rhythm. It is important to keep a steady movement over the wooden tacticon segments so that the relative duration of each tone may be realized. Students may practice this ‘sweep’ in the air at first as though tracing the flight of a landing seaplane. As the hand makes contact with the tacticons, the extended fingers are pulled over the segments (parallel to the segments) as though the extended fingers were a sled—while maintaining a steady pace. Depending upon the phrase grouping, you may want to place a phrase or a convenient number of measures on each line. Upbeats may be placed to the left of a margin formed by complete measures (as in standard notation). To maintain a steady flow from line to line, right and left hands may be applied alternately to each succeeding line or phrase.

Sturdy compartment organizers with double latches are provided with each set of 49 pieces. Ten compartments are divided within case 14 in. x 8.5 in. x 1.75 in. that may hold 1 to 2 of the sets outlined on the following chart.      

Introductory Prices:
With one set/case: $62     
2 sets/case:    $60  
3 or 4 sets/case: $58.
For orders of 3 or 4 sets/case, a deeper 14 in. x 8.5 in. x 3 in. case is provided.

Feel free to call at 800 628-9721 for a custom quote regarding quantity of any of the time values and/or multiple sets. Sets may also be formed  to accommodate compound meters. 

The set includes 49 pieces as listed in chart above. Quantities of dotted  values may be increased for compound meters and for more advanced patterns

Please call us at 800-628-9721, for more information.