First British Female Principal Trombonist Dies at 92

Maisie Ringham Wiggins was one of the great legends in the brass world. She began to take trombone lessons from her father at the age of 10. A Salvationist member, she received many accolades for her performances at concerts and event, eventually dubbing her the “The Wonder Girl Trombonist.”

Maisie then went on to study trombone at the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the Royal Northern College of Music). After she graduated from college, she won a position with the BBC Milands Light Orchestra. After Ms. Wiggins’ one year with that ensemble, Sir John Barbirolli requested for her to join the Hallé Orchestra, which would make her become the first female trombonist to hold a principal position in a British orchestra. She went on to play with the Hallé form 1944-1955. After her tenure with Hallé, she continued to teach and perform with Salvation Army bands into her 90s. In 2011, Ms. Wiggins received one of her greatest achievements as she was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth for her services to music. 

To read more about Maisie Ringham Wiggins, click on this article from the British Trombone Society.

Click this link to read a fitting tribute from Dudley Bright, Principal Trombone of the London Symphony and Katy Jones, Principal Trombone of the Hallé Orchestra.

Below is a recording of Ms. Wiggins performing the Concertino for Band and Trombone written by Erik Leidzen.