The four members of the SF State Flute Choir are looking to the winds of change in the hopes that new flautists will join the choir this spring.

The choir, led by director Gail Edwards, operates through a class that is only offered through the SF State Extended Learning department. The class requires a registration fee of $192, which may be scaring students away, according to choir member Sarah Rick.

"One problem is that the choir may not be double-counted for music majors seeking a performance class, and another [problem] is that the cost of the class is not covered for students with scholarships," Rick said.

Susan Propst, director of public affairs for the College of Extended Learning, said she doubts that students are discouraged to take CEL classes.

"To my knowledge, we haven't encountered any students who have contacted us with concerns about this, and our enrollment is at an all-time high," she said.

Nonetheless, in an effort to recruit flute players, Edwards is advertising on the Craigslist Web site. Although only six respondents dared to audition for the choir on Jan. 31, as many as 14 have been in the group in the past.

The choir, which has been in operation for the past five years, may serve as the perfect opportunity for intermediate flute players to express their talent and have fun doing so in front of audiences, according to Edwards.

"Music majors need ensemble classes for their resumes,” said choir member Margaret McGovern. “This is real music that is happening, and somehow the choir is not getting the proper recognition that it needs.”

Edwards said that she is seeking a large group of intermediate flute players able to play large and involved pieces, but that she is not opposed to finding a small group of players who could have larger parts.

“I urge students to come and try out,” said Edwards. She will hold more auditions from 7 to 9 pm. Monday night in room 154 of the Creative Arts building.

"Flute choirs are pretty rare, and ours is amazing because it's so much fun and it's non-competitive," said McGovern.

The style of playing in the choir ranges from classical to jazz and may appeal to a broad range of musical interests, according to Rick.

"Each year we perform in Knuth Hall in the Creative Arts building. We have a lot of fun and we usually have a broad mix of ages from 18 to 50,” said Edwards, whose former choir members impressed audiences in Las Vegas at the National Flute Association Convention in 2003. Rick described the flautist’s convention as "a total blast."

Aside from practicing and attending conventions, the choir is active and performs at all types of events, such as the Pacifica Fog Festival, the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, and San Francisco Giants games at SBC Park.

“Every time we play for them [the Giants], they win,” said Edwards, who can only hope that additional choir members would bring more luck at future games.