The purpose of this study was to identify the changing mission and purpose of the Pittsburgh Flute Club since it began in 1920. The club was placed in its historical context through the inclusion of brief information on music in the United States and in Pittsburgh during each of the four major periods of activity for the club. Research revealed that the club began in 1920 and continued for only a few years. The club began again in 1950 and continued until a waning around 1980. Under the title of the Allegheny Flute Association, the club was rejuvenated in 1986 and returned in 1999 to the original name of the Pittsburgh Flute Club, which it still bears today. This document serves the purpose of preserving the institutional memory of the club, revealing what was important to the club during each of its periods of activity, and providing a framework by which other flute clubs can study their histories.
Information for the document was gathered through journal articles, Pittsburgh Flute Club archives, archival material located at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and through interviews of four club members. Investigation of the historical information showed a marked difference in the makeup of the club’s membership and the reason for gathering over the course of the club’s history. The earlier years of the club were focused on skilled amateur flutists and professional flutists gathering monthly to play informally and to hear recitals that were mostly performed by local flutists, while the recent years, particularly since 1986, were focused more on middle school through college students and their teachers gathering for master classes, recitals, and special events, often featuring internationally known artists. The research revealed the importance of competent club leadership as a primary factor for the club to flourish and busy schedules as the biggest hindrance. The Pittsburgh Flute Club has impacted flutists since 1920 and has been a valuable resource for flutists as regards networking, socializing, learning, and performing.