Carlton Banks plays the saxophone in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His musical ability appears as part of the character’s polished, achievement-oriented image and helps distinguish him from Will’s more improvisational personality.
Carlton is generally portrayed as academically serious and eager to meet the expectations of his parents. The saxophone is one detail that supports that carefully cultivated identity, alongside his interest in school, traditional success, and Princeton University. It is separate from his more famous performance style: Carlton’s dance to Tom Jones’s “It’s Not Unusual.”
Alfonso Ribeiro played Carlton throughout the sitcom. Because the show features many musical performances, guest musicians, and references to Will Smith’s rap career, viewers sometimes associate Carlton with another instrument or with Will’s music. The character’s established instrument, however, is the saxophone.