Personnel Bio

MU1 Nelson Gast

Musician 1st Class Nelson Gast joined the Coast Guard Band in 2024 after several years as a freelance audio, video, and live sound engineer. MU1 Gast has worked inside the studio and remotely for a diverse collection of musical genres and styles, but with a focus on classical music, working with clients such as composer Bright Sheng, harpsichordist Joseph Gascho, tubist David Zerkel, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Michigan School of Music Theater and Dance for projects that have appeared on Naxos, Orpheus Classical, Acoustic Café, Sumerian Records, Penguin Random House Audio Books, and Mascot Records, among many others.

MU1 Gast grew up in Michigan and was an avid performer on violin, euphonium, and bass guitar in addition to compositional pursuits. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Michigan with undergraduate degrees in music theory and music composition and a master’s degree in music composition. Outside of work, Nelson enjoys writing music as well as helping produce music projects with his friends. As an avid tea drinker, Nelson loves to find new coffee shops with his wife Eun Young. 

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