BGSU alum takes Falcon Marching Band experience to the NFL

Growing up in Philadelphia, Karl Braxton ‘14 went to a high school without a marching band. It wasn’t until he arrived at Bowling Green State University and joined the Falcon Marching Band that he experienced the thrill of a stadium halftime show for the first time. He was instantly hooked.

Today, Braxton takes the field in front of more than 70,000 cheering fans as a member of the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band.

“The Falcon Marching Band played a huge part in my music career,” Braxton said. “I found my home away from home, learned a lot about marching band and grew to love football. I didn’t even know that I would like marching band, let alone go from the Falcon Marching Band to the NFL.”

When he’s not pumping up Ravens fans at home games, Braxton is inspiring the next generation of musicians as an elementary music teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools. His performances at M&T Bank Stadium even motivate his young students.

“Being a part of the Ravens Marching Band has been a huge inspiration for my students, and has even served as a recruiting tool, as many of my students are Ravens fans,” Braxton said. “I am able to connect with them through music and sports, and have even seen some of them at the games.”

Braxton’s journey began at BGSU after hearing positive reviews of the University, its music program and its long-standing tradition of preparing teachers for the classroom.

“Everyone I talked with spoke very highly of Bowling Green and of its music program,” Braxton said. “When I came to visit, the professors and students were extremely friendly. After being blown away by an orchestra concert, I knew I had to go to BGSU.”

After graduating in Fall 2014 with a bachelor's degree in music education, Braxton went back home to teach in Philadelphia before moving to Maryland, where he became an elementary instrumental teacher.

“I teach kids who have never played an instrument before. I love watching their reactions when they make their first sounds and as they learn their first songs,” he said. “BGSU has allowed me to educate young musicians and watch students grow. Seeing students continue to play their instruments through middle school, high school and beyond reminds me that I am making a difference.”

While members of the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band prepare for the upcoming season, Braxton is also keeping his eyes on his beloved Falcon Marching Band, now the largest college marching band in the country.

“I have always taken pride in being a student and now an alumnus of a small MAC school with a band that can rival and even surpass bands from bigger and more well-known schools,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see the band continue to succeed and grow."

Related Stories