These instruments are played by blowing into or across a mouthpiece in order to produce sound. Instruments such as a saxophone or clarinet contain a reed in the mouthpiece. The reed is a thin strip attached to the mouthpiece that is usually made from wood. The reed vibrates as you blow through it, which helps generate the sound. A flute is part of the woodwind family, but doesn't use a reed. Instead, a player blows across the mouthpiece to create the sound. This process is exactly the same as blowing across the top of a glass bottle to make a musical note.