Airman First Class (A1C) Johnathan M. Barker, from Astoria Oregon, is a Percussionist in the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. He earned his Bachelors in Percussion at Portland State University and concluded his formal education with a Masters in Percussion from Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University.
A1C Barker’s teachers include Robert Van Sice, known for pioneering solo Marimba playing, leading percussion pedagogy, and advancing chamber percussion artistry, Jisu Jung, known for her incredible marimba virtuosity, Jeff Stern, innovative chamber percussionist, National Symphony Orchestra principal percussionist, Eric Shin, with his excellence in orchestral playing and audition preparation, Jon Greeney with his expertise in timpani, and Chris Whyte, his first teacher, who is an excellent pedagogue and chamber musician.
As a new member in the USAF Heritage of America Band, A1C Barker is excited to provide music that will boost troop morale, family support, strategic communication, and international partnership-building priorities globally.
EDUCATION
2022, Bachelors in Percussion, Portland State University
2024, Masters in Percussion, Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University
ASSIGNMENTS
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Sep 2024 – Nov 2024, Basic Military Training, Lackland Airforce Base, TX
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Nov 2024 – present, US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 24 Sep 2024
(Current as of February 2025)