Woodwind

Woodwind is a family of musical instruments that produce sound when the player's breath causes a vibrating air column. They are grouped by how sound is generated: edge-blown instruments like the flute, and reed instruments in which a reed vibrates against a mouthpiece. Historically made from wood, many modern woodwinds use metal or synthetic materials as well. The principal members are the flute (including the piccolo), the clarinet, the oboe (and the cor anglais), the bassoon, and the saxophone, which is commonly treated as a woodwind in orchestral and band settings despite its brass body.

Sound production varies by type. In flutes, sound is created by directing air across an open edge; no reed vibrates. In single-reed instruments such as clarinets and saxophones, a vibrating reed on a mouthpiece produces the tone. In double-reed instruments like oboes and bassoons, two reeds vibrate against each other. Pitch is controlled primarily by fingerings, with air speed and embouchure shaping tone and intonation. Bore geometry and key mechanisms affect range and timbre. Many woodwinds, notably clarinets and saxophones, are transposing instruments.

Woodwinds span a wide range of roles in music. They can deliver lyrical melodies, agile runs, or rich harmonic textures and are valued for their dynamic and coloristic qualities. In orchestras and concert bands, they usually form the woodwind section alongside brass and percussion, while in chamber music and jazz they often assume leading or supporting roles.

Historically, woodwinds evolved from early wood-based instruments in medieval and Renaissance periods to the technologically advanced designs of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Boehm system, developed for the flute and later adapted for the clarinet, standardised fingerings and improved intonation and ease of play. Modern woodwinds use precise keywork and durable materials, supporting wide ranges and consistent tuning across registers.