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.
Inspirational ModelValaida Snow
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)
Girls Play Trumpets Too: Summer Concert
Join Girls Play Trumpets Too (GPTT) on Friday, July 31 at 5:30 PM for an exciting evening celebrating the accomplishments of our talented young musicians at our Summer Concert, held at Peaches Records (4318 Magazine St., New Orleans).
After six weeks of learning, growing, and performing together, our students will take the stage to showcase their musical skills through an energetic program featuring jazz, New Orleans classics, contemporary favorites, and special guest performances. This concert is a celebration of confidence, creativity, and the power of music to inspire the next generation of brass musicians.
Special Guests • Family Friendly • Free to Attend
Click the RSVP link below to reserve your spot, learn more about the concert, and support Girls Play Trumpets Too.
Fall 2026 Registration Is Open
More Than a Music Program. We're a Movement.
Girls Play Trumpets Too empowers girls ages 8–19 through music education, mentorship, leadership development, performance, and cultural exchange. This fall, give her the opportunity to build confidence, discover her voice, and become part of something bigger.
- Ages 8–19
- Beginner to Advanced
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Performance Opportunities
Enrolling
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.
Kelly Clarkson Show
GPTT Promo Video
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!
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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Summer Community Concert
Friday, July 31, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Join Girls Play Trumpets Too for our Summer Community Concert presented in partnership with JAM NOLA. Experience an evening of exceptional music, community celebration, and inspiring performances by the next generation of New Orleans musicians.
Location: Peaches Records, New Orleans, Louisiana
Free and Open to the Public
Satchmo SummerFest 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM
Girls Play Trumpets Too, under the Artistic Direction of Troy Sawyer, takes the stage at the renowned Satchmo SummerFest as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Louis Armstrong.
Location: New Orleans Jazz Museum
Free Festival Admission
Fall 2026 Registration Is Now Open
Registration is now open for our Fall 2026 season.
Girls ages 8–19 are invited to join one of the nation's most innovative music and leadership programs, where music becomes a pathway to confidence, discipline, leadership, and opportunity.
Building Leaders. Creating Opportunities.
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
Vice President (Board Member)
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
Our Partners
