I'm Linda Hightower, state chair for Montana. When I started ringing bells 12 years ago, I couldn't even read music. Well, I knew the difference between a quarter note and a half note, but the difference between A and C -- not so much. I started way up there in those trebles that are barely on the staff. Now, of course, I know there are lots more above the staff. I don't worry so much about reading those as I have been mostly C4D4 for the past 10 years or so.

I love how music is so different when rung with bells rather than other instruments. I wanted to learn more about music and music theory - why do these two notes sound good together while two different ones sound scary? That kind of stuff.

I started piano lessons about 6 years ago. My piano teacher has been very understanding about my first love being bells. In one of my lessons, she said, in the midst of "writing" out another scale to just write 1 measure. It sounded good. That was the beginning of me trying my hand at composing and arranging and she has been there encouraging me all the way.

I have learned a lot since our choir director first asked me if I wanted to ring bells and I'm still learning so much. There's all the minor scales to learn.

In my other life, I've been married to the same guy for nearly 44 years. We have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. I recently retired after 43 years as a registered nurse and am looking forward to more time ringing and writing.