Editor Note: “Then and Now” is a series catching up with individuals that made the Herald’s headlines about a decade ago.

To everything there is a season, a time to sing, a time to dance, a time to teach and a time to love. A time for every purpose under the sun.

It was 12 years ago when Leslie Bieber, originally from Sidney, won the Nashville Star competition and a $100,000 contract to record an album. Since then, many things have changed in this singer’s life, but one thing has remained the same, her passion for music. Bieber currently teaches high school and junior high Spanish for approximately 15 schools in Montana and North Dakota via ITV technology. Her classroom is based in Fairview where she also currently resides. There are many ways that her love of music has helped her out in the classroom.

“I always have a song running through my mind throughout the day. It keeps my spirits up,” Bieber said. “I believe that music and song have helped me build relationships throughout the years with my students. Sometimes if I’m humming or singing a tune, they’ll join in and finish it, or they may ask about songs they don’t recognize or see a different side of me if it’s a tune they wouldn’t think I would know.”

Although Bieber may not be recording numerous albums and touring the country, there’s no doubt she still has the performers’ spirit. She doesn’t sing as much as she used to, but still performs with her father, Larry Riggs, for numerous community and personal events.

“Singing with my dad is the most relaxing fun,” said Bieber, as family has always been a huge influence in the beginning and continuance of her love of music. “I remember when I was little my dad was always singing and playing piano. When my mother was cooking, we would have to dance through the kitchen to pass through.”

Just as anyone else, so much has changed in Bieber’s life within the 10 years since the original article of her music success was published in the Sidney Herald.

“I was a young mom with a 7, 8 and 9 year old then. Now they are 17, 18 and 19. If I would have pursued more of a singing career, it would have taken too much away from home,” she said.

Music seems as if it will continue to pass through as a passion in this family.

“I am so grateful to have passed the love of music to my kids,” Bieber said. “As much as I have probably embarrassed them over the years with my constant song and dance wherever we may have been, I think it’s something we can now share.”

From a young mom to a singing Nashville star to a teacher of 15 schools, there’s no doubt music will remain a constant for the rest of Bieber’s family and life.

“Over the years of raising kids and all of the pains and the joys, I’ve learned a stronger sense of unconditional love and to always try not to judge others,” she said.

features@sidneyherald.com