Galashiels Clef Club

The Clef Club is arguably the oldest amateur society in Galashiels. It was started in 1926 by three amateur musicians and close friends who were well known in the community for their playing and singing at small local occasions.

 While this was enjoyable they had their sights set on more demanding music and arranged a meeting with one or two others to attempt more difficult pieces. They then had the idea to form a club for like minded musicians to perform in the informal atmosphere of a musical evening. Thus, a meeting was convened, an executive committee appointed, a constitution drawn up, a suitable venue found, and Galashiels Clef Club was born.

The Minute Books of the Club record all the music performed at all the Meetings over the years, and are held by the Secretary for easy reference. The very first Meeting of the Club was held in the Large Hall of the East U.F. Church in Galashiels on 23 October 1926. The subject of the meeting was “Handel, his life and works” with illustrations. The items presented were:

1. Piano solo – ‘Harmonious Blacksmith’ played by Mr G Duthie
2. Aria – ‘How willing my Paternal Love’ from Samson by Mr W Elliot

3. Aria – Come ever smiling liberty’ from Judas Maccabeus by Miss Barne

4. Sonata for violin and piano by the Misses Mclean

5. Aria – ‘Wheree’er you walk’ by Mr R S Thomson

6. Piano & organ duet – ‘Concerto in G minor’ by Misses Grant and Rae

7. Recit. – ‘Be comforted’ from Judas Maccabeus by Mr Elliot

8. Aria – ‘The Lord worketh wonders’ by Mr Elliot

9. Quartet for two violins, cello & piano – ‘Water Music’ by Miss McCubbin, Mr Shillinglaw, Mr Curran and Mr Barrow

10. Aria – ‘Droop not your love’ by Mr Anderson

The only qualification for membership was, and still is, an ability to sing, or to play a musical instrument. However, in the early days membership was by recommendation, and only confirmed after an audition. Meetings were also themed. This practice continued for many years but in the end this was dropped as the members became increasingly devious in ways to justify their piece of music being part of the chosen theme!

During the war years meetings were usually on Saturday afternoons because of lighting restrictions. Concerts were regularly given in aid of comforts for the troops, and soldiers resident in the town were welcomed to meetings.

These days we welcome everyone who can play an instrument or sing and they are free to choose any piece of music to entertain their fellow members. We have had performances from a 7 year old violinist right up to a 102 year old who played the piano from memory. We enjoy classical music of all periods, folk songs, songs from the shows, jazz – in fact, anything. We pride ourselves on being a friendly welcoming club who are happy to encourage performers at all ages and levels of ability.