Violinist selected to study at Interlochen Arts Camp

Stephen Curran

Wednesday, June 19, 2002 | 9:05 a.m.

For Clark High School junior Yang Wang, this summer will be spent not working a part-time job or mowing lawns, but making music in the woods of northern Michigan.

An aspiring violinist, Wang is one of 50 young musicians from throughout the country selected to attend the Interlochen Arts Camp on a full scholarship. The award, valued at $4,750, is presented each year by the Emerson Electric Co.

In addition Wang, 15, is one of 24 violinists and cellists selected to participate in the inaugural Valada Master Teacher Program at the camp.

The chance to study at Interlochen represents a milestone in a lifetime spent playing the violin, which began in China at age 6. Today, Wang studies under the tutelage of De Ann Letourneau, concertmistress at the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra, according to his parents.

The Interlochen Arts Camp is held each summer at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a private academy near Traverse City, Mich., with a full-time enrollment of 2,154. Notable alumni include vocalist Peter Yarrow of the singing trio Peter, Paul and Mary and CBS News Correspondent Mike Wallace.

The camp began Sunday and will run through Aug. 12.