Brass instruments produce their sound when the player buzzes their lips into a mouthpiece. Known for their bold, powerful tones, this family includes instruments such as trumpets, cornets, trombones, horns, euphoniums and tubas ranging from bright high notes to deep, rich bass sounds.

Woodwind instruments create sound by blowing air through the instrument, either across an opening or through a reed. This family includes flutes, clarinets and saxophones, offering a wide variety of sounds from light and clear to warm, smooth and expressive.