The University Instrumental Clubs trace their origin to the foundation of the Banjo Club in 1886, and of the Guitar and Mandolin Club in the following year. This latter organization was coached by L. T. Romero, an accomplished Spanish guitarist. He coached until 1890, when he was succeeded by G. L. Lansing, who remained as coach of both organizations until 1908, when the present coach, William Rice assumed the position.

Until 1917, no picks were used in playing the instruments, the beaujeaurine, which was plucked with the fingers, being the leading instrument. After 1918, the principal instrument of the Club came to be the modern tenor-banjo.

The Banjo and the Guitar and Mandolin Clubs were organized with the Glee Club after 1890 and were together known as the Musical Clubs up to 1918, when the Glee Club divorced itself and became a separate organization. The Banjo and Mandolin Clubs then took over their present name of the University Instrumental Clubs.

Last year the need was strongly felt or vocal talent in order to give a more balanced program. With the permission of President Lowell and Dr. Davison, a vocal unit was established as a part of the Instrumental Clubs and a new constitution was drawn up to encompass the three units under a single organization.