Our Mission
Empowering girls through trumpet, music, and equality
Girls Play Trumpets Too empowers girls to play the trumpet on a novice and advanced level to enhance equal representation in a male-dominated music industry.
Develop strong leadership skills
Nurturing leaders through discipline, teamwork, confidence, and communication.
Build musical fundamentals
Developing sound, expression, improvisation, and stage presence fundamentals.
Increase empathy and joy
Fostering emotional connection and joy through music.
Valaida Snow (1904-1956) was an American jazz musician celebrated for her talents as a singer, trumpet player, dancer, and comedian. She gained prominence during the 1920s and 1930s, earning the monikers "Queen of the Trumpet" and "Little Louis" for her exceptional trumpet skills. Despite racial discrimination, Snow toured extensively in the United States and Europe.
(June 2, 1904 - May 30, 1956)
Valaida Snow
Inspirational ModelGIRLS PLAY TRUMPET TOO T-Shirt (Mardi Gras Edition)
💜💚💛 GIRLS PLAY TRUMPETS TOO – Mardi Gras Edition 💛💚💜
In a city where brass bands lead the way and culture lives on every corner, Girls Play Trumpets Too is proud to celebrate Mardi Gras with purpose.
This special edition tee is more than festive colors and bold design — it’s a statement. It represents young girls stepping into their power, lifting their horns, and claiming their space in a tradition that has shaped New Orleans for generations.
Every shirt purchased helps us continue our mission: empowering girls ages 8–19 through trumpet education, leadership development, and cultural excellence. From Jazz Fest stages to national television, these young ladies are carrying the sound of the future — strong, confident, and unapologetic.
When you wear this shirt, you’re not just celebrating Mardi Gras.
You’re celebrating equity.
You’re celebrating legacy.
You’re celebrating the next generation of brass.
Thank you for believing in our girls and investing in their dreams.
Let the good times roll — and let the trumpets play. 🎺💜💚💛
— Troy Sawyer
Founder, Girls Play Trumpets Too
Click the button below to purchase your tee and support the mission!
SALE
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💜💚💛 Explore More in Our Store 💛💚💜
Looking for more ways to support Girls Play Trumpets Too? Click the button below to browse and purchase other items in our store. Every purchase helps empower girls ages 8–19 through trumpet education, leadership, and cultural excellence.
Click the button below to shop now!
We were featured on CBS Mornings
We are excited to share that Girls Play Trumpets Too and our founder/artistic director, Troy Sawyer, were recently featured on CBS Mornings with Michelle Miller!
The national spotlight highlighted Troy’s powerful journey—from his beginnings as a New Orleans trumpet player, to releasing his debut album, overcoming and rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, and ultimately creating GPTT to inspire and empower young women through music.
This feature carried even greater meaning as it aired during the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—reminding us of the resilience of New Orleans while celebrating how music continues to heal and uplift future generations.
We are grateful to CBS Mornings for sharing our story and amplifying the movement of Girls Play Trumpets Too.
We Won the K20 Grant Thanks to YOU
We asked our community to nominate us for the K20 Grant… and YOU made it happen! Then we asked you to vote… and YOU made that happen too!
Girls Play Trumpets Too is honored to receive the K20 Grant, thanks to the incredible support of our community and @bcmnola, who invest in organizations working to revitalize our neighborhoods.
We are proud to continue supporting the 9th Ward’s Musicians’ Village and beyond, lifting up our communities through music, mentorship, and opportunity. Congratulations to all our fellow community partners who received this grant—together, we are stronger, and together, we elevate our communities! 🎺Stay tuned for Updates!
Carry the Culture. Fund the Future.
Grab your GPTT Tote Bag today and help us keep the music alive for girls everywhere!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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GPTT Spring Session is Closed but Stay connected to find more info!
GPTT Spring Session is off to an amazing start this year! Please signup to get the newsletter and stay connected.
Make a donation. Your support will put a trumpet in the hands of as many girls as possible!
EVENT DATES
PRESS
Girls Play Trumpets Too featured story of CBS Mornings with Michelle Miller
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Girls Play Trumpets Too Cover Story In OffBeat Magazine
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Troy Sawyer and Girls Play Trumpets Too make a special guest appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show, joined by Justin Timberlake.
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Girls Play Trumpets Too makes the front page of the Times Picayune New Paper
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Our Founder and Executive Director’s Interview on WWLTV Channel 4 News
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Girls Play Trumpets Too Debut Performance makes the WDSU Channel 6 News
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Meet the Team
Troy Sawyer
Troy Sawyer, a professional trumpet player and music educator, shares his personal journey and passion for promoting female trumpet players through his project, "Girls Play Trumpets Too." Growing up in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, Troy was immersed in a vibrant musical heritage.
Founder/Executive Director
“We want to put a trumpet in the hands of as many girls as possible”
Sean Vappie
Treasurer Board Member (Trumpet Instructor)
Casey Ferrand
Media/PR
Idrie Bailey
Trumpet Instructor
Emily Madero
Advisory Board
Constantine Mgalle
Foreign Language Instructor
Terrance Dugas
Secretary Board Member
Veronique Dorsey
Performance Mentor
Nathan Van
Trumpet Player
Natalie Ruschack
Accountant
Janee’ Johnson
Director of Operations
Lisa Barthelemy
President Board Member
Emily Mikesell
Trumpet Instructor
Laura Stein
Advisory Board Member
Aaron Smith
Trumpet Instructor
Damian Kennedy
Development Director
Dr. Cherie Goins
Advisory Board
Elva Gurule
Trumpet Instructor
Susan Henry
Advisory Board
