A1C Jin Yamakawa
Bassist, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
Airman First Class (A1C) Jin Yamakawa serves as a bassist with the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band, Nebraska Showcase Rock Band "Raptor," stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. In addition to his musical responsibilities, he contributes as a member of the unit’s Publicity Team and serves as the Government Purchase Card (GPC) holder.
A1C Yamakawa was born in Chiba, Japan, and calls Honolulu, Hawaii, his hometown. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Professional Music degree from Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, in 2014.
While pursuing his degree, A1C Yamakawa toured Europe as a sideman bassist with various performing groups. His musical studies include mentorship under renowned jazz bassist John Patitucci, three-time Latin Grammy Award winner Oscar Stagnaro, and session bassist Anthony Vitti. Prior to joining the Air Force, he worked for a decade as a Music Director with Princess Cruises, where he led musical tours across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United State of America.
ASSIGNMENTS
- Bassist, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, February 2023 – Present
EDUCATION
2014 – Bachelor of Professional Music, Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts