Personnel Bio

MU1 Cole Sheffer
Musician First Class Cole Sheffer joined the United States Coast Guard Band in May of 2025. He is an accomplished double bassist dedicated to both performance and education. Originally from Virginia, he holds a Bachelor of Music from James Madison University and a Master of Music from Michigan State University. An active orchestral musician, Cole held positions with the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra and the Flint Symphony Orchestra, additionally performing as a substitute with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. His festival engagements include the Mostly Modern Music Festival, the Brevard Jazz Institute, and the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. He has performed in masterclasses with renowned artists including Joseph Conyers, Ranaan Meyer, and Jonathan Reed.

In addition to performing, Cole is a passionate music educator. He has taught students across Virginia, Michigan, and New England in both upright and electric bass. Cole is committed to sharing his love of the bass across musical genres and strives to inspire the next generation of musicians through both performance and mentorship.