Eric Funk

Eric

FUNK

Funk says his greatest community effort is making a point to open doors and bridge connections for folks new to town.”

Having recently retired from teaching at MSU, Eric Funk now has more time to compose and continue bringing the community together. Even when working full time as a professor he was composing music both commercially and for himself, all while staying in touch with the community. His impact on the community can be measured by the influence he’s had on his students, the reach and exposure his television program with PBS can give to local artists, and in the funds and awareness he’s raised for so many causes. Funk bears many titles; performer, conductor, composer, professor, and producer. He came from a family of dirt farmers in Deer Lodge, however; music, as you all may know, is his strong suit. Funk began composing at a very young age and his work has been performed all over the world. He graduated from Oregon State University, and before beginning his teaching tenure at MSU, Funk taught in Oregon and Texas colleges. He returned to Montana in 1985.

A lot has been written about Funk, as a composer and conductor he is world renowned. In Montana, his contributions are many. From 1994 to 2002, Funk was the conductor for the Helena Symphony Orchestra. During that time he was also conductor for the Gallatin Chamber Orchestra in Bozeman. The PBS program, ‘11th & Grant’ is produced by Funk. He seeks out local talent and gives them the space to perform for a large television and internet audience. The show has been running for over twenty seasons. Funk has raised funds and awareness for many charitable causes, from disaster relief benefits to social issues. He uses music and the many connections he’s made over the years to help organizers and activists bring people together for greater causes. Funk says his greatest community effort is making a point to open doors and bridge connections for folks new to town.