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.

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Develop strong leadership skills

Nurturing leaders through discipline, teamwork, confidence, and communication.

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Build musical fundamentals

Developing sound, expression, improvisation, and stage presence fundamentals.

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Increase empathy and joy

Fostering emotional connection and joy through music.

Black and white photo of Valaida Snow with an orange brush stroke behind them

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 Model

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.

Troy Sawyer and Girls Play Trumpets Too make a special guest appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show, joined by Justin Timberlake.

GPTT OFFICIAL PROMO VIDEO

GPTT YouTube Channel

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!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Holiday Concert

12. 1. 25
Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, for the Girls Play Trumpets Too Holiday Concert at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. Enjoy an inspiring afternoon of music featuring our talented young musicians and special guests.
Location: Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (1901 Bartholomew St. NOLA 70117)
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Doors Open: 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are required for entry. Click the button below to purchase your tickets and learn more. We look forward to celebrating the season with you.

Tickets
Giving Tuesday is December 2

12. 1. 25
Join us in supporting Girls Play Trumpets Too as we raise funds for our music programs, scholarships, women’s health initiatives, cultural exchange trips, and new trumpets for our girls. Your generosity helps us empower the next generation of young women through music, culture, and community.
Make a difference today—thank you for your support!

GivingTuesday

Make a donation. Your support will put a trumpet in the hands of as many girls as possible!

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EVENT DATES

PRESS

Girls Play Trumpets Too featured story of CBS Mornings with Michelle Miller

Girls Play Trumpets Too Cover Story In OffBeat Magazine

Troy Sawyer and Girls Play Trumpets Too make a special guest appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show, joined by Justin Timberlake.

Girls Play Trumpets Too makes the front page of the Times Picayune New Paper

Our Founder and Executive Director’s Interview on WWLTV Channel 4 News

Girls Play Trumpets Too Debut Performance makes the WDSU Channel 6 News

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

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