By Matt Browning

Carter Funk from Hesston was chosen as the Salina Chamber Athlete of the Month for April.

Funk runs cross country and track and field for the Swathers, but his real passion is music.

“I have always been involved in musicals and loved acting and singing,” Funk said. “I became serious about music when I was 12 years old. I would find soundtracks on YouTube and began to write lyrics to create my own songs.”

At Hesston, Funk is involved with the Hesston High Singers, which is a select group of musicians who perform throughout the community.

Funk does not play any instrument, because he considers his voice as his primary instrument.

I use software called Logic Pro X to produce instrumental backgrounds, but producing beats isn’t my strong trait in recording music,” Funk said. “I love to be creative with my lyrics and melodies by singing, recording into my microphone in my studio.”

Rap and hip-hop are Funk’s main choice of music to not only listen to, but to sing as well.

He plans to attend Bethel College next season to run cross country and track, but his predominant focus will be music.

“I will not give up on my music passion and continue to make music throughout the next stages in my life,” Funk said.  “I will be involved in choir at Bethel College and selected ensembles.”