Pitch marker clubs abandoned abruptly (4)

I believe the answer is:

clef

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'pitch' is the definition.
(I have seen 'The pitch' mean 'clef' so perhaps 'pitch' could also mean 'clef')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for clef that I've seen before include "Musical notation on a staff" , "Symbol written on sheet music to indicate pitch" , "Musical character" , "Symbol at start of stave" , "symbol used by 6 [VERDI]" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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