The "brass family" refers to a group of musical instruments made primarily of brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. This family includes instruments like the trumpet, trombone, tuba, and French horn. Brass instruments are known for their bright, powerful sound and are commonly used in orchestras, bands, and various music genres. Brass instruments produce sound through the vibration of the player's lips in a mouthpiece. They can be played in different ways, such as using valves or slides to change pitch. The unique timbre of the brass family makes it an essential part of both classical and contemporary music.