Ceili Band

A watercolor illustration of a ceili band with instruments and dressed in green

Ceili Band?

We're currently gauging interest in the area in forming a young musician ceili band here in the Albany area! A typical Céilí Band had around 10 instruments - most all melodic with some percussion accompaniment. Common instruments include the fiddle, flute, button accordion, Anglo concertina, uilleann pipes, banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, drums and piano. Contact us to let us know that you are interested!

What is a Ceili Band?

Ceili, or Céilí, bands found popularity in the early 1900's playing for Irish dancing. One of the earliest bands is one of the most well known and still plays today. The Kilfenora Céilí Band (Irish: Banna Céilí Chill Fhionnúrach) which was formed in 1910 in Ireland's County Clare and is still active today. You can see and hear them below. Over the years, many bands have formed and some have stayed.

What makes a Ceili Band?

A typical Céilí Band had around 10 instruments - most all melodic with some percussion accompaniment. Common instruments include the fiddle, flute, button accordion, Anglo concertina, uilleann pipes, banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, drums and piano. You may also see other melodic instruments used like a guitar or harmonica, for example. 

Where can I find a Ceili Band?

You can find bands active today and in some of the most surprising places.