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A céilí is a gathering of people for dance. A ceili band provided the music for this dance. There was no aestethic value for the music, it was purely functional. This meant it had to:
- Have a solid rhythmic base
- Clear beats for dancers to follow
- Loud enough to be hear without amplification
There were 8-10 musicians including flutes, fiddles, accordians, piano and drums.
- Melody instruments played in unison (start together, finish together)
- Piano provided harmony, bass line and kept tempo
- Drums provide backbeat (emphasis on 2nd and 4th beat of bar)
- Tunes included dances such as Siege of Ennis and Walls of Limerick
The Public Dance Hall Act (1935) caused an increase in demand for ceili bands so
- standards increased
- more emphasis was put on skill
- presentation improved (suits and ties)
Eventually ceili music was listened to for its own sake.
- Bands were promoted by 2RN (Ireland’s first radio station) in the 1920′s, 30′s and 40′s.
- The Fleadh Cheoil is of great importance to Ceili Bands, the aim being to get “three-in-a-row” (win All-Ireland three times in a row.)
- Although ceili bands were condemned by Sean O’Riada in the 60s, they still remain poplar today.
- Popular ceili bands include the Tulla Ceili Band and the Kilfenora Ceili Band.
