sco band 

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.