Planning a Ceilidh

Music

There are two main choices here - whether to have dance music that is pre-recorded
(eg. CD/mp3) or to book a live band. Each has their own merits and both can be equally successful.

Recorded Music

Calling to recorded music is usually less costly than hiring a band. I have amassed a varied CD library over the years and this provides a dance with a large 'band sound' at a fraction of the cost. I can also tailor the music to suit the occasion, from a barn dance hoe-down to a Burn's night ceilidh. The recorded music I use has been purchased from my own personal favourite ceilidh bands, most of these seem to relish in funky beats and colourful instrumentation. Fab!
I hold the relevant performers licence to use this music legally.

I have sometimes heard that the main criticism of dancing to recorded music is that it lacks the immediacy that a live band provides. Indeed I must confess to thinking this myself at one time. However, I can honestly say that I have never received feedback to this effect from someone attending a recorded music dance.  I work hard at maintaining a fun and vibrant atmosphere throughout the dance - once you are in the thick of a Grand Chain you wont even be aware that the music isnt live!

Bands

Bands vary greatly with their sound and composition. There may be as little as 2 musicians or as many as 10 at a festival ceilidh! Most of the music comprises of traditional English, Scottish or Irish folk tunes but may have other world influences. Bands often have their own unique characteristic sound which they work hard to culture.

Bands usually charge a fee per band member, the larger the band the more you pay. Bands are a separate entity to callers although you will find that frequently a band and caller will work regularly together by preference.

I work closely with several local bands - the 'Rooster Band' - a ceilidh band formed by musicians from the Rampant Rooster morris team and the 'Ceilidh South House Band', a group of musicians with a mixed folk background. The line up usually includes a melodian, fiddle and piano accordian but this can vary.

I can also book other bands depending on your preference. Indeed, you may prefer to book a band directly yourself.

Most bands will bring their own PA (Public Address sound system) and maybe even a stage lighting rig. Larger bands will also have a mixing desk and technician ideally placed some distance from the stage.

Once you have decided on either live or recorded music you need to decide on what flavour of dance you would like. Many people have a clearly defined image in their head of what a barn dance is. It probably differs somewhat from yours! To help make life easier, choose between the following 3 styles or 'flavours' :-

• Traditional English ceilidh - traditional English/Folk tunes played on a whole range of instuments from the traditional piano accordion to saxophone and electric guitar!
  
  
• Scottish ceilidh (great for Burn's night and Hogmanay) - Scottish and Irish tunes played on traditional accoustic instruments, with the odd pipe or whistle thrown in!
  
  
• American Hoe-down - plenty of fiddle and guitar here. Cotton-eye Joe is in town.