Tim Adams
Tim was born in Brazil Indiana and has lived in Indiana most of his life. His Grandma came from a musical family, his Mother was a music major in college and it seems the passion for music has passed down from one generation to the next. Tim began playing first piano, then ukulele and guitar. During high school, Tim was involved in band, playing baritone, tuba, guitar and bass. Through involvement in the choir, Tim and 3 friends started performing barbershop quartet music, which quickly morphed its way into Gospel music. As the Gospel Word quartet, they traveled from place to place in a Volkswagen van. The band changed names, personnel and style of music from time to time, but over a period of 15 years, Tim, his wife Kathi and good friends Roger Hoffman and Gary Thompson continued singing and playing in coffee houses, churches, festivals and about every other kind of venue. Tim has played guitar and bass with the Tony Hopkins band. He also spent several years with the Ralph Eads Band at the Country Palace, playing various instruments. In addition to his work with High Sierra, and sitting in with other bands as needed, he plays guitar and mandolin at church. Tim's family also enjoys music and his wife and daughter will occasionally join him on stage. His son Jake is a musician also and majored in Jazz Performance at IU. Tim plays guitar, banjo and mandolin with High Sierra and sings lead and harmony for the group.
Mindy Bounds Osteen
Mindy Bounds Osteen has been singing as long as she can remember. She is a descendant of the musical Crum family and, from a young age, displayed a particular aptitude and talent for music. While growing up in Bloomington, IN, Mindy took lessons and actively played violin for nearly 15 years. She has sang with many family and friend groups over the years, recently with the Crumgrass Acapella Quartet. Mindy, with her fiddle, "Big Bad Bruce" has been singing and playing with High Sierra since its inception in the summer of 2012. With her rich, dynamic voice and her fiddle, her roots in acapella gospel and Country Bluegrass shine through during her performances, adding a great blend to the compelling sound of High Sierra.
Tammy Pate
Tammy Pate brings a rich country voice to the group that is a one-of-a-kind. She sings from the heart and makes soulful melodies reach the hearts of her audience. She also plays guitar for the group. She has played music with her family and friends over the years and has performed at the local guitar circle 'Circle of Friends'. Tammy is a founding member of High Sierra and resides in Spencer, IN.
Mark Spriggs
Keeping the group in time is bass player Mark Spriggs, a Bloomington native who now resides in Owensburg, IN. His years of experience shows in his solid, and often complex musicianship. His band history includes SweetGrass, the Limestone Cowboys and Straight Line, and he was a major contributor in helping with the Spriggs Family and Friends Music Festival. Mark's friendship and talent are a great addition to the High Sierra family.
Pam Waterford
Coming from a musical family, Pam was surrounded by music at home and church. She sang 3 part harmony with her sisters (the Smith Sisters) when she was young. She has sung for 30+ years with the acapella group Richland Valley Singers, which includes her father and sister. Over the years, she has played with the bands Crystal Creek, SweetGrass, New Terrain, Cross Ties, and with the Steve & Pam band. She has performed at the local guitar circle 'Circle of Friends'. She was co-founder of the Spriggs Family & Friends Music Festival which hosted 26 events over an 8 year period. Pam founded High Sierra in the summer of 2012. She plays mandolin and guitar and contributes vocals to the group. Her angelic tones and superb harmony make up an integral part of the 'High Sierra' sound.