Central Oklahoma Homeschool Bands

COHB Conductors

Mr. Tom Rye, Director

Mr. Tom Rye has been involved in instrumental music most of his life. He has a bachelor's degree in music education from Oklahoma Baptist University, as well as a master's degree in history from the University of Central Oklahoma.

With 21 years' experience in public band programs, Mr. Rye has worked in every facet of this arena, 5th grade through high school, and has personally participated in a number of university, professional, and church orchestra programs. He is also a charter member of the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony.

Mr. Rye has five grown children (three of whom have home schooled their children) as well as 18 grandchildren. He loves working with students and watching them grow in their God-given musical abilities.

Mr. David Bellows, Co-Director

Mr. Bellows graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in music education. While attending OU, he studied trumpet with Dr. Jacob Larson and performed in the University Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band.

Mr. Bellows has been a director of the Central Oklahoma Home School Band since Spring of 2003. Prior to this he taught for 8 years in the Tuttle, Chickasha, and Midwest City Public Schools. He has experience teaching beginning, middle school, and high school bands, jazz band, and general elementary music classes.

In addition to teaching band, Mr. Bellows teaches private trumpet lessons, performs in the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony, and enjoys being involved in the music ministry at Emmaus Baptist Church where he directs the orchestra.

Through his experiences, he has acquired a life-long love for music and enjoys sharing the gift of music with his students. He and his wife Heather live in Moore and have three children, Sarah, Blake, and Hope.

Mr. Vernon Vincent, Co-Director

Mr. Vincent was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma. He was involved in music in highschool and participated in All State in 1964. After attaining a bachelor's degree in Music at Phillips University, Vernon attended West Texas State for his master's degree. Some of Mr. Vincent's musical endeavors include playing in the Army band for 3 years, and singing with the Singing Churchmen for 16 years. He has been a band director since 1990, teaching band and orchestra in Texas for 6 years, directing the Cushing band for 5 years, and conducting church music in Stillwater. COHB is happy to welcome Mr. Vincent as director for the Ponca City and surrounding area bands.