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 Trumpets Too: Spring Concert 2025
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of live music and inspiration at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, hosted by Charisse Gibson. Our talented trumpet players will light up the stage with powerful performances you don’t want to miss.
The event takes place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Ellis Marsalis Center FOr Music, located at 1901 Bartholomew Street in New Orleans.
Tickets are on sale now, so don’t wait—secure yours today and be part of this powerful celebration of music, talent, and community. Bring your friends, show your support, and experience the magic of Girls Play Trumpets Too!
Food provided by the Famous Willie Mays
Click the button below to learn more and get your tickets. We can’t wait to see you there!
Carry the Culture. Fund the Future.
Grab your GPTT Tote Bag today and help us keep the music alive for girls everywhere!
GPTT Spring Concert 2024: Special feature on WWLTV Louisiana
GPTT Champions Ocean Environmental Justice
Girls Play Trumpets Too delves into the unique relationship between aquatic life and jazz music, demonstrating how these seemingly disparate elements intertwine. Raine, GPTT member, guides us through the melodic sound waves, illustrating how the harmony of music and its ecosystem flows seamlessly alongside aquatic life within an aquarium.
N.o. Jazz and Heritage Festival 2024
Make a donation. Your support will put a trumpet in the hands of as many girls as possible!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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GPTT Spring Concert
6. 7. 25
Join us Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for an inspiring afternoon of live music hosted by Charisse Gibson. Don’t miss powerful performances by our talented female trumpet players.
Tickets are on sale now—click below to learn more and get your tickets.
EVENT DATES
PRESS
Girls Play Trumpets Too Cover Story In OffBeat Magazine
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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
Trumpet Instructor
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
