Wind instruments are the family of instruments that make sound by blowing air into a tube and vibrating the air inside it. They include the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.
The basic idea
Woodwinds and brass differ in how the sound is produced and in tone, but the amount of breath, the tonguing, and the register all affect the expression. They are good at sustaining long notes and at moving through wide dynamics.
Playing and programming them
With software instruments, you create the strength of the breath with velocity, modulation, and expression rather than volume alone. Switch between short staccato and long legato.
How they differ from related terms
Wind instruments are the category sounded by the breath, and string instruments are the category sounded by vibrating strings. Both play important roles in orchestration.
Because a single note is so expressive on a wind instrument, even a short phrase can change the impression of a song.
