sco band 


Thank you for your interest in our homeschool band program! 

Stones Crying Out Band is an instrumental music program for homeschoolers in the 5th-12th grades. We strive to honor Christ while providing a welcoming, family-friendly musical experience for student musicians of all levels! SCOB started in 2016 because of the vision of Vick Nelson, the musical expertise of Vanissa Mills, and their shared passion for music education. With the support and love of Katha Nelson and local educators, the program continues to grow and serve the Southeast Texas homeschool community.


We hope you consider joining our musical SCOB family!

Spring Concert 2024

 Meet the teachers

Vanissa Mills

Vanissa is a homeschooling mother of two beautiful children and the wife of her smart and funny high school sweetheart.  Vanissa attended Lamar University to earn a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She's a former public school band director of Goose Creek Consolidated ISD in Baytown, Alvin ISD, and Hardin Jefferson ISD.  During the last 25 years, she's enjoyed teaching band, elementary music, children's choirs, percussion classes, elementary history, 10th grade literature, and tutoring children in reading skills.  She's currently in her 26th year of playing horn for the the Symphony of Southeast Texas.  Vanissa is passionate about her family and enjoys serving at church in Awana and VBS.  Vanissa loves music listening, studying music history, teaching students, dancing, and enjoys walking and being outdoors, having deep conversations, and making new friends.  

Shannon Copeland


Shannon was raised in Beaumont and is a proud graduate of Forest Park HS (‘82). He attended LSU (Bachelor of Music Education ‘87) and Lamar University (Master or Music Education ‘91). 


Mr. Copeland enjoyed a successful 28 year career in public schools, teaching young people the importance of the fine arts, and the lifelong friendships, memories and life skills music builds. He performed as a semi-professional trumpet soloist and with the “Processional Brass” quartet for many years. While he has taught students of all grade levels, the majority of his career was spent as the Associate Director of Bands at West Brook HS (‘93-‘17), working with thousands of aspiring young musicians. 


Currently he enjoys golf, cooking, yard work and spending precious time with his beautiful wife, sons and daughter, as well as two amazing grandchildren! 


He is excited to contribute to this Christ-driven effort of parents, students, families and teachers, as part of its success. 

Here are a few things SCOB offers: