Jiggs Whigham - Trombone

Sponsored by Conn-Selmer

Jiggs Whigham is an internationally acclaimed trombonist, band leader and educator. Nicknamed

"Jiggs" by his grandfather, this versatile performer was born Cleveland, Ohio, on August 20,1943.

He first came to the attention of critics and fans at age 17, as featured soloist and first trombonist

with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McKinley. Two years later, he was first and solo trombonist with Stan Kenton. Following a year of studio and Broadway Musical engagements in

New  York, Jiggs became featured soloist with the Kurt Edelhagen Jazz Orchestra at the West

German Broadcasting Company in Cologne, Germany, in 1965. In 1966 his was awarded 1st Prize

at the first competition for Modern Jazz  in Vienna.

Jiggs uses Bonn, London and Cape Cod as home bases. In 1979, he was named professor and

head of the Jazz Department at Cologne University College of Music, the first appointment of its

kind in Germany. In 1995, he was named "Professor for Life" and head of the Jazz/Popular Music Department at the "Hanns Eisler" College of Music in Berlin. From 2000 – 2001, he was visiting professor at Indiana University. He was bandleader of the Swiss Radio Band (Radio DRS) from

1984 – 1986. From 1995 – 2000, he was chief conductor and artistic director of the Berlin Radio Orchestra (RIAS Big Band Berlin).

Jiggs is currently soloist and clinician worldwide, conductor of the BBC Big Band in Great Britain, artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, visiting professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and visiting tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. Jiggs Whigham is a lifetime member and general advisor to the International Trombone Association, British Trombone Society, and the German Trombone Society. He is a lifetime member of the International Trombone Association and IAJE (International  Association of Jazz Educators). Author

of the new book, “Jazz Trombone,” Jiggs is active as a soloist, conductor and educator, and is a clinician for the Conn-Selmer Company.