Carolyn Braus is an active performer and clinician who currently serves as the principal alto saxophonist of The United States Air Force Concert Band in Washington, DC. Before winning her position in the Air Force Band (initially as baritone saxophonist), Carolyn performed as the baritone saxophonist in the esteemed Capitol Quartet from 2015 to 2016.

As a soloist, Carolyn has been featured with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, North Dakota State University Symphony Orchestra, Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, Lake Agassiz Wind Symphony, and on multiple Air Force Band national tours. She has been involved in commissions and premieres of works by Stacy Garrop, Carter Pann, Jessica Krash, and Gregory Wanamaker. A performer of multiple musical genres, Carolyn released an album of original music for guitar and voice in 2020 entitled Guitar Songs. Her 2023 classical saxophone album, entitled Tale Still Told, features music that is based on or inspired by the traditional folk music of various cultures.

Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, Carolyn received her Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from North Dakota State University and her Master of Music from Arizona State University. She earned her DMA from the University of Maryland where she also served as the interim saxophone professor in 2021.