As a kid, Ritchie Gonzales received a surprise piccolo from his dad. Soon he progressed to playing the flute and quit playing all other instruments, and he hasn’t put the woodwind down since. When he moved to Santa Barbara from San Diego, he began the Santa Barbara Community Flute Ensemble because there was no place for flutists to gather and play together. “Practically every other county has one, and I really missed it,” he said. The ensemble, which meets once a week, is open to all ages and skill levels. Currently they are practicing for a summer children’s concert and preparing for an autumn one, as well. “There are no egos here. You can come and play the flute for fun and become flute buddies!” said Gonzales. For more information, visit sbcfe.org