Libby band instructor Boone headed home to Kentucky

Libby Middle High School band instructor Brandon Boone’s time in Lincoln County is coming to a close.

Boone has led the music program since 2020. Being closer to family and the high cost of housing in Montana were two major reasons that led the family to consider living elsewhere.

"Brandon Boone and his wife Alex Boone started working in Libby Schools in 2020," said school Superintendent Ron Goodman said. "We were fortunate to have them for the past years and they will be missed. Mr. Boone has done a great job in music and we will all miss the leadership and musical talent that he has."

Boone didn't have a job lined up before he submitted his resignation letter, a new opportunity in his hometown in Kentucky arose.

“I’ll be taking over the high school band and become the choir director, too, at Gallatin County High School in Florence,” Boone told The Western News in a recent interview. "Building up heir choir will be the goal.”

Boone is taking his wife, Alexandra, and daughter, Eva, with him.

He met Alexandra in Libby and they were married in October 2022.

"We met at the new teacher meeting here, later on she made the first move and asked if I wanted to go to the first football game with her, not long after, we were inseparable." 

Boone said he’s enjoyed his time in Libby, the good time and the more challenging ones, too.

“The challenges make you learn how to deal with different situations and people, so I’m much better at that than before,” Boone said. “There have been a lot of good times in Libby, particularly after we got past the pandemic.

“Hosting the Western A Band Festival this winter was a whole lotta fun, taking the kids to the district and state music festivals, our trip to Seattle in 2023, the pep band, it’s been something.”

Boone was doing his student teaching and looking for a full-time job in the West when a friend told him about the open job in Libby.

“He was in Havre and he declined the Libby job,” Boone said. “He accepted an offer from Stevensville where he is still the music director.

"I had a great interview with Jim Germany and former principal, Ruth Rogers-VanWorth and was fortunate to be offered the job.”  

The Boones have also been involved in the Kootenai Outdoor Adventure Program and the Flathead Lake Music Camp in Rollins.

“I hope to come back every summer to the music camp and Alexandra’s family in still in the Flathead, so we’ll have plenty of reasons to return to Montana,” Boone said.

Libby has already hired Boone’s replacement - Patrick Lewis. The California native was doing his student teaching in Tennessee at Belmont University.

    Libby Middle High School trombone player Kyran Boltz plays at the Spring Band Concert Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Memorial Center. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby Middle High School jazz band pianist Cailin Morgan performs at the Spring Band Concert Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Memorial Center. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Members of the Libby Middle High School jazz band perform at the Spring Band Concert Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Memorial Center. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    A packed house filled the Memorial Center in Libby on the evening of Monday, May 20, 2024 for the Spring Band Concert. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Some performers, including Angelina Escudero, with Libby Middle High School band wait their turn at the Spring Band Concert Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Memorial Center. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)