A popular
format for musical groups in America since the turn of the century. Wind bands feature
saxophones and no strings, thus setting them apart for the standardized
orchestra.
A wind band is usually an academic or academically funded group so the
music director can afford to experiment a little bit. It has been this way for decades and as such a small
academic sub-culture has sprung up around the music world with it's own patrons, fans, stars, and
composers.
Many school systems that cannot afford the insurance or buying price of string insturments often have (a) wind ensemble(s).
David Maslanka and
Alfred Reed are good examples of wind band composers.