FAQs
Who are the organizers?
The retreat is organized by the Traditional Irish Music Education Society (TIMES), a Texas non-profit corporation based in Richardson, Texas, which was formed to "assist and encourage people in their learning and playing of traditional Irish music through educational programs and performance events."
Who are the sponsors?
The Southwest Celtic Music Association is a sponsor providing major funding, marketing and operational support. The SCMA has been actively promoting Irish music in the North Texas area for over 25 years by organizing major events like the North Texas Irish Festival as well as many other events and activities. We greatly appreciate the support of the SCMA for TIMES, The O’Flaherty Irish Music Youth Camp and The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat.
What is the Camp's purpose/mission?
The O'Flaherty Irish Music Youth Camp is a learning environment that focuses on teaching the fundamentals of traditional Irish music to youth ages 6 through 17. It serves to encourage young and new players as they struggle through the learning process. It also challenges more experienced players to master their instruments and the music that they love. But most of all, it is a continuation of a tradition that started long ago in Ireland as the music was passed down from one generation to another to preserve it. It has since evolved into a “world” music, but the tradition of passing it on and preserving it is alive and well, even in Texas.
Who was Jim O’Flaherty?
Jim O’Flaherty was a piper who influenced many of the local Irish players from the early 80's until his passing in July 2001. His family hosted annual sessions in their home attracting players from all around the state. Jim's enthusiasm and love for traditional Irish music and his strong interest in helping young players inspired the founding of the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, an annual event held during the last weekend in October, and The Youth Camp. As a tribute to Jim, the retreat and Camp are named for him. For more info about Jim, go to Jim O'Flaherty.
When can I arrive?
You can bring your child as early as 8 am on Monday July 12th to The Heights Baptist Church. From 8 to 9 AM we will be checking in students and doing short fiddle placement auditions to make sure the fiddle students are in a class they will feel comfortable with. Other students will be participating in fun icebreaking activities as a group. Classes will begin at 9 AM.
On Tuesday, July 13, you can bring your child as early as 8 am. There will be music games taking place between 8 and 9 AM, and the instrument classes will begin at 9 AM.
When must I pick up my child?
On Monday, July 12th, you must pick up your child by 5:30 pm. We strongly encourage you to attend the Monday evening pizza supper, concert and music sessions, but you must accompany your child at the Monday evening events. The Youth Camp staff cannot be responsible for supervising your child during the Monday evening events.
On Tuesday, July 13th, you must pick up your child at 4:30 pm. There are no activities after 4:30 pm on Tuesday.
The Youth Camp cannot be responsible for your child outside these hours.
What is the location of the camp?
The camp will be held at The Heights Baptist Church, 201 West Renner Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080 (972) 238-7243.
The Heights is located at the intersection of Renner Road and Central Expressway (Hwy. 75), on the southwest corner of the intersection.
For a map, go to http://www.theheights.org/google-map/
What do I do when I arrive?
On Monday morning, July 12th, you should go to the main entrance of the Heights Church in Richardson. We will have volunteers and signs to direct you to the CAMP OFFICE to receive a packet of necessary information and your child’s pass/name badge. We suggest checking your child in by no later than 8:15 a.m. so you will have time to get familiar with the facilities and services available. Class placement activities (for fiddle students) will be taking place during the 8:00 to 9:00 hour.
On Tuesday morning, July 13th, bring your child to the Heights Church at about 8:45 a.m. Classes will begin at 9 a.m. You may drop your child off as early as 8 a.m., but if you are going to arrive prior to 9 a.m., we ask that you let us know by calling (903) 245-3705 or sending an email to youthcamp@oflahertyretreat.org so we can be prepared to supervise your child until classes begin at 9 a.m.
Is there a shuttle from and to area airports?
No, we are not anticipating that enough students will be flying in to warrant such a service.
Is there lodging at the camp?
There are many comfortable hotels and motels available in the immediate Richardson area. Check our lodging page for some suggestions of places to stay nearby. No child can be left unaccompanied at The Heights Church outside camp class hours ( 8 am to 5:30 pm on Monday and 8 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday).
What should I bring for my child?
A sack lunch, a tape or digital recorder to record lessons (very important), your instrument(s), extra strings in case you break one, a notepad to take notes, a great attitude for learning, and last of all, a tape or digital recorder to record lessons (did we mention that already?). Maximize the value of your tuition – record your classes!
What should I NOT bring?
Pets, alcohol or illegal drugs, and electric instruments (except for electric pianos).
What does my child get for the tuition?
The two-day tuition covers seven 45-minute class sessions and all class materials and instructor concerts, group activities as well as the pizza supper, concert and sessions on Monday night. The single-day tuition covers only those activities on that particular day.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. The scholarship program is set up to award scholarships based on musical ability with the potential for excelling within the Irish music tradition or based on financial need. The scholarships are funded through the generous support of the Southwest Celtic Music Association. For more information on how to apply, contact us at youthcamp@oflahertyretreat.org.
Is there lunch at the retreat?
No. It would be best for you to send a sack lunch with your child, or you can bring them lunch at 11:45 am each day. The lunch period is only 45 minutes, so if you are going to bring lunch, please be prompt. If you forget to send your child with a sack lunch, we will have someone go and buy lunch for your child; however, you will be charged an additional $10 for each lunch.
Are there restaurants in the area?
Yes, The Heights Church is located in Richardson, Texas near many restaurants.
What's the weather like?
North Texas in the summer is hot and usually clear, but thunderstorms and rain are always possible.
Are t-shirts, tune books, instructional CDs and other retreat merchandise for sale?
Yes, we operate a Product Booth each day at the Camp with many items for sale.
Can I buy additional Monday evening cookout/concert tickets?
Yes, you can buy additional tickets for friends and family members. The Monday evening activities are free to registered students and one parent, but you may buy additional tickets for $10. Children under 15 are free (no ticket required). Additional tickets can be purchased during check-in.
Are there sessions?
Yes. We encourage players to get together whenever time allows. Some sessions are organized by our instructors, while others happen spontaneously. We offer sessions for different levels of play on Monday evening.
Are there classes just for beginners?
Yes. There is a class entitled "Fun with Irish Music" which any camper may attend regardless of their previous musical experience. Since this is only a 2-day camp, students who cannot play their instrument at all may not get enough individual instruction to make much progress in the other classes. However, the whistle and bodhran classes can accommodate students with no prior experience on their instruments. For other instruments, beginning level students should at least be able to play a simple tune like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “ Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in order to get much out of the classes. We will try to accommodate any student interested in learning more about Irish music. In addition to the instructional classes there are many activities that any camper will enjoy, regardless of their experience level.
Can my child study more than one instrument?
No, since this is a 2-day camp, we feel it would be impractical for a student to take classes in more than one instrument.
Are there payphones?
No. So, students are welcomed to bring your cell phones. During classes, however, please turn them off or set them on vibrate.
What are the emergency numbers?
The cell number for Gordon McLeod, Camp Director, is (903) 245-3705. The cell number for Clare Cason, assistant director, is (972) 814-5774. The number for The Heights Church is (972) 238-7243.
If I have any questions, comments, criticisms or complaints, who do I contact?
Before, during or after the event:
Gordon McLeod, Camp Director at (903) 245-3705 or (972) 530-0757 or by email at youthcamp@oflahertyretreat.org ; Clare Cason, assistant director, at (903) 364-5185. You can also call Ken Fleming at (972) 798-7890.