Summers Of Youth And Music

Play Roles Of Teacher And Counselor

(CBS)  As the world's reigning violin virtuoso, Itzhak Perlman is still at the top of his game. Perlman reunites with conductor John Williams on Serenade Two: The Golden Age, an album of new arrangements of classic themes from Hollywood films.

But, as CBS News Correspondent Russ Mitchell reports, that's not the only thing that's keeping Perlman busy these days.

Although he is always passionate about his work, the Perlman Music Program is closest to his heart. The pioneering summer camp is for musically gifted precollege students.

This summer's program is in full swing. And although they have enough applicants to make the camp much larger, the Perlmans keep it small so they know what's going on with each child.

Says Perlman: "I am dedicated as a coach at large. As far as I'm concerned, I am having a wonderful time, because I can do so many different things that I don't usually do. Plus to work with kids is really fascinating."

The program is the brainchild of Toby Perlman, music educator, The Juilliard School graduate and the violinist's wife. The summer camp emphasizes playing solos and balancing music with other elements of life.

"There's a lot of hard work," says Toby Perlman. "But there's also a lot of talk and a lot of understanding about the work and about the concerns that these very young and extraordinarily gifted young people have."

Adds her husband: "For me, to have any say in a child's life,...and when you see that it works, is such a satisfying experience."