Winds

As Printed on a Score

Names woodwinds and brass together in English-language scores and programs, though in orchestral talk it often means the woodwinds alone, as in “winds and strings”. It appears mainly in instrumentation lists, cues and titles rather than as a staff label, so context decides whether the brass is included.

How Composers Use It

Use it for instructions or titles that concern the whole wind body — a wind ensemble, a serenade for winds, an offstage band — and make clear whether the brass is included. In the parts themselves name the instruments. In a full score the winds are laid out above the percussion and strings: woodwinds first, then brass.

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