wind instrument
Any instrument that produces sound by the player blowing air into or across it.
In Depth
Wind instruments are divided into two families: woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone) and brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba). The distinction is based on sound production method rather than material — a flute is a woodwind despite being made of metal.
Wind players face unique challenges: breath control, embouchure fatigue, and the physical limitations of lung capacity. Circular breathing — inhaling through the nose while maintaining air pressure through the mouth — allows some players to sustain notes indefinitely, though the technique is extremely difficult to master.
The world record for circular breathing on a wind instrument is over 45 minutes — sustained by a didgeridoo player. Most Western wind players can manage only a few minutes at best.