What happens at a Scottish ceilidh?
May 14th, 2008 | Published in Music History, Music News, Play Music
Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is the Gaelic name for an evening of Scottish country dancing, accompanied by musicians playing a merry mix of traditional jigs, strathspeys and reels.
This humble time-honoured mode of entertainment is still enjoyed today by young and old from Glasgow to the Shetland Isles.
The Celtic tradition: Part 1
The Scottish ceilidh band
Think Jimmy Shand and “The White Heather Club” and the sound of the piano-accordion instantly springs to mind. These days, the instrument is as synonymous with Scotland as the bagpipes. It sits at the centre of the ceilidh sound, underpinning the melody with both harmony and rhythm.
Add the fiddle to carry the tune and a single drum to pick out the beat and the ceilidh band is complete. Tunes such as “The Flowers Of Edinburgh”, ” East Neuk Of Fife” and “Haste To Mairie’s Wedding” give a taste of Scotland to the performance.
The band brings a dance-caller to organise the dancing. The caller comes down onto the dancefloor and shows the dancers what to do. Time-honoured Scottish favourites such as “The Dashing White Sergeant”, “Strip The Willow”, “The Gay Gordons” and “The Eightsome Reel” are always included in the mix.
Search for a ceilidh band in your area
There are many young, talented and enthusiastic ceilidh bands in the UK. Browse through Hop Till You Drop wedding music agency: list of ceilidh bands. These bands perform regularly at weddings, festivals and parties.
