Page 48 - Flathead Living Fall 2014

T he von Trapp
Children Grow Up
Montana natives, and descendants of the inspiration for ‘The Sound of Music,’ find a voice of their own
Story and photos by Kay Bjork
Tent for singing pulled them into the local limelight and eventually launched them on an international singing tour. The Flathead Valley’s von Trapp Children are all grown up now and redefining their lives and music as adults.
he von Trapps’ childhood began simply – homeschooled in a storybook house that rises out of a broad field set against the Swan Mountains – until their love and tal-
They began touring in 2002 when the children were the tender ages of 7, 10, 11 and 13, and for the next 12 years the world became their classroom. As the von Trapp siblings think back to the adventure they shared as a family, they marvel at their parents’ courage, self-sacrifice and fortitude. Stefan and Annie’s goal to educate their children was achieved in a field trip across the globe. From Japan to Africa, from New York City to Nashville, they traveled throughout five continents and extensively throughout the United States. Their appearances have
Above Young von Trapps. right von Trapps on the dock.
46
FLATHEAD LIVING | FALL 2014
PHOTO Of YOung vOn TraPPs(LEfT) cOurTEsY Of THE vOn TraPPs