Following the good words of Big Nick. Tracy's rhythm classes and T-fee classes at Augusta are the best. And you should play way away from the main action, then if no one glares at you, creep in closer and closer.
Quoting Tracy, the sound should be Clunk-a-Ring-a (for a 2Step) and Clunk-a-Ring-a-Ring-a (for a waltz). (The small a's are upbeats.)
The triangle is, indeed, a real instrument, not just something to keep someone busy. As Nick also said, just watch Christine B!
Larry is right on with this!
Learning to play the ti fer is more than just hitting it. It's also more than just being in time and at the right volume.
The rhythm (syncopation) must fit the other musicians with whom you are playing. Every song may require different treatment.
If you are a musician already, you will have no trouble understanding how to fit the ti fer in the music. However, if it is your first instrument, BEWARE.
Go home and practice to some CDs and drive your dog and spouse nuts until you have it right.
Everyone (except the above mentioned) will love you for it!
It's all been said right by Larry and Nick.
The folks here in Ireland think it's a bit of a joke and don't take it seriously when
we mention ti fer. But oh! Holy God, if someone thinks you just hit it? They might just end up wearing it.
Ti fer is a REAL instrument.
Can someone send me Don Montoucet's address or phone number. When I was in Lafayette for the International Festival, the Brazilian bands bought all he had at the time and I would like to get a triangle from him. Also, if you have not heard his new CD, "Don Montoucet, et ses amis", it is a wonderfull CD to have in your collection.
We all know who's who among Accordion makers, but can anyone offer up a list of names for Te-Fer makers? And what cost should one expect for a good Te-Fer?
Not that I want to be anal, but here's the proper spelling above. The word comes from Petit Fer, with a the word Petit in diminutive as Tit. Fer means Iron. So literal translation is Little Iron.
OK, Maz. Seeing I messed up my spelling in my post (a typo, really!), I need to add something. Yes, it is Tit Fer. Fer is for iron. If your remember your high school chemistry iron (element #26) has the symbol Fe, from the latin ferrum.
No relatives in the South that I know of. It's clear from my accordion
skills, that there isn't any Cajun blood in my veins!! Altho' maybe that
would help.