Mr. Braxton

Mr. Karl Braxton is in his eighth year as an instrumental teacher in Prince George's County Public Schools and currently teaches at Perrywood, Arrowhead, and Phyllis E. Williams Elementary Schools. Mr. Braxton was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA where, under the instruction of John Payton and Diane Kay-Clark, he began playing the saxophone at age 8 and picked up the oboe at age 13.  He attended the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts where he studied music under Kevin Rogers and Brian Ewing. In addition to performing with school ensembles, he also performed with various ensembles outside of school, including the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, All-City Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band, and PMEA District and Regional Band and Orchestra. During this time he studied saxophone privately under Jason O'mara. Mr. Braxton went on to attend Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH where he studied oboe under Dr. Jaqueline Leclair, Dr. Nermis Mieses, and Lynne Mangan. He also studied saxophone under David Bixler and eventually earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Education in 2014. After college, Mr. Braxton spent some time as a substitute teacher in the suburbs of Philadelphia and continued his saxophone studies under John "Sax" Williams, with whom he currently studies. Other musicians that Mr. Braxton has studied with include Stephanie Wilson, Louis Scaglione, and Victor North.  He has performed with many community and professional ensembles throughout the years and is currently a member of the Baltimore Marching Ravens where he served as saxophone section leader during the 2023 season. He has attended masterclasses lead by world renown musicians such as Bradford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Terell Stafford, Gary Bartz, Dick Oatts, Peter Smith, Mike Boone, John Sampen, and Nancy King. He has also played with artists like Jimmy Heath, Bootsey Barnes, and Billy Paul. Outside of music, Mr. Braxton participated in the Boy Scouts of America where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009 and briefly served as a scout leader. He also had the honor of marching with his Boy Scout Troop in the inaugural parade for President Obama in 2009.