FAQs

Q: Don't I have to be old and a 'fuddy-duddy' to be a member?

A: No - you are as young as you feel and music is for everyone. Our audience has a massive age range, from Primary school age upwards - we very much want young people to come along as this will secure our future. Many of those who come to our concerts would describe themselves as 'young' and would resent being thought of as a fuddy-duddy! Our performers, too, tend to be young, professionals at the start of exciting careers in music. Come along to our concerts and hear for yourself - a warm welcome awaits everyone.

Q: Who wants to hear a bunch of amateurs murdering tunes?

A: Nobody does - that's why we spend a great deal of time choosing who we invite to come to perform for us. All of our artists are professionals - making music is their living (and their life) and we aim to bring performers who are either established professional players or exciting young talents to the village. Many of those who have played for us already have or have gone on to have hugely successful international careers, signed to major record labels.

Q: Aren't your concerts informal and stuffy affairs?

A: No, our concerts take place in the Carlops Hall or in St Mungo's Church, so you are guaranteed to be only a few feet away from the performers - far more intimate than in a concert hall. We always tell our players that we'd like them to interact with our audiences and many of like introduce the pieces they are playing, are delighted to chat to audience members and it has been known for performers to let children (or even adults) try out their instruments.

Q: Are children welcome at your concerts?

A: Yes - we think it's vital for our future that we attract young audiences, and the experience of seeing instruments played by truly gifted players from only a few feet away is one that children really enjoy. Each year, at least one and sometimes two of our performers present a workshop, funded by the Society, at the village School, another wonderful experience for the children who go along.

Q: Do you have to be a member to come to the concerts?

A: No, we aren't an exclusive club, you can 'pay on the door' at any of our concerts if you aren't a member, for a ticket price far more reasonable than any equivalent concert in Edinburgh - BUT - it is much better value to become a member, with the subscription fee being the equivalent of 6 concerts for the price of 4 and a bit! Being member is better for the Society too - it gives us greater financial stability and higher membership numbers allow us to secure more in grant funding.

Q: How can I support the Society?

A: By becoming a member. One of the unique things about our village is it rich musical life and the Society has been part of this life for almost 50 years. We are one of the smallest Music Societies in Scotland - no other village of West Linton's size is able to support its own Society as far as we know, and that makes us unique. But it is only with your support that we can ensure our future and bring great music to the village for years to come.