See also: Saxophone

To learn more about the different instruments, click the appropriate instrument on the image above.

The Woodwind section of the orchestra is forever associated with smooth, intimate phrases and haunting, spiritual melodies.  When used in conjunction with the strings, the two sections complement each other perfectly and in the hands of a talented composer brilliant contrasts of tone and texture can be established.

The Woodwind section can be divided into two categories, those with reeds (Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon) and those without (Flute and Piccolo).  In both cases, the sound is produced when the player blows into the mouthpiece setting the air within the pipe vibrating.  In reed instruments, this is caused by a vibrating cane attached to the mouthpiece, whereas in the case of the flute and the piccolo, the sharp edge of the lip plate is sufficient to produce the sound wave.  The pitch of the note produced depends on two factors.  The length of the covered pipe and the strength with which the player blows.  Blowing more forcefully causes the air column to split into two or three sections, raising the pitch of the note.

Pipes and Flutes from whom all Woodwind are descended are among the most primitive of all instruments, however it is only in the 19th century that they achieved their present designs when the complex key mechanisms which are now an integral part of the instrument were invented.  Not all Woodwind instruments are made of wood.   The Flute for example is made of metal giving it a brighter tone and cheaper clarinets may be made from plastic.

You can learn more about Woodwind by reading about the Flutes, Clarinets, Oboes, Bassoons and Piccolo.