The death has been announced of one of the great pioneering female brass musicians Maisie Ringham Wiggins, who passed away on Saturday, 3rd December. She was aged 92.

A life-long Salvationist and former principal trombone of the Halle Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli from 1945-55, Maisie Ringham Wiggins gained worldwide respect as a performer and inspirational teacher.

Wonder Girl

She began playing at the age of 10, under the guidance of her father and soon became known as 'The Wonder Girl Trombonist' for her remarkable performances in Salvationist concerts.

She was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music and following her studies, successfully auditioned to become principal trombone of the BBC Midlands Light Orchestra.

Recordings

Just over a year later she was invited by personal telegram by Sir John Barbirolli to join the Halle Orchestra — enabling her to fulfil an ambition that she had held from childhood.

Three ground breaking solo recordings were made of her in 1946 whilst she was a member of the Salvation Army and much later composers such as Erik Leidzen and Ray Steadman Allen's wrote works for her.

Just over a year later she was invited by personal telegram by Sir John Barbirolli to join the Halle Orchestra — enabling her to fulfil an ambition that she had held from childhood4BR

Modest

In 2010 she was awarded the MBE for services to music and in November this year Maisie was presented with the Sheila Tracy Award by the British Trombone Society in recognition of contribution to the musical world — an award she accepted with her usual modesty by saying she accepted it "on behalf of all female trombonists, everywhere!"