Céilí Bands

Question 1

What does céilí mean?

Answer 1

Céilí means ‘ a gathering of people for dance ‘.

Question 2

What texture is céilí music?

Answer 2

Usually homophonic as all melody instruments play in unison with piano and drums filling song out

Question 3

What does a typical céilí band consist of?

Answer 3

Usually consist of 2 or 3 reed players (accordion, concertina, harmonica, uilleann pipes) , 3 or 4 string players (banjo, fiddle,mandolin) , 2 woodwind players (fife, flute, tin whistle), a piano player and a drummer.

Question 4

Explain the typical drum accompaniment to a céilí band song

Answer 4

The drums play a backbeat and rolls on the snare drum.

Question 5

Explain the typical piano accompaniment to a céilí band song

Answer 5

The piano adds a bassline and chords usually on the offbeat.

Question 6

Name two examples of céilí bands

Answer 6

The Kilfenora Céilí Band

The Bridge Céilí Band

Question 7

How are the instruments in a céilí band positioned

Answer 7

The loud backing instruments are put to the back and the melody instruments are placed at the front