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 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 15. 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 in the early 80s 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 8:30 am Monday June 30th to The Springhill Retreat Center. You must pick up your child by 5:30 pm on Monday. We strongly encourage you to attend the Monday evening cookout , concert and ceili 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.
You can bring your child as early as early as 8:30 am Tuesday morning, July 1st. You must pick up your child at 4 pm on Tuesday, July 1st. There are no activities after 4 pm on Tuesday.
When must I pick up my child?
You must pick up you child by 5:30 pm Monday and 4 pm on Tuesday. The Youth Camp cannot be responsible for your child outside these hours. If you are staying in the Lodge or camping you must accompany your child outside the hours listed above. We strongly encourage you to attend the Monday evening cookout , concert and ceili 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.
What is the location of the retreat?
The retreat will be held at Springhill Retreat Center, 3991 Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75082, (972) 820-6168.
For a map and directions, go to www.springhillretreat.org.
What do I do when I arrive?
On Monday morning, June 30th you should go 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 9:15 a.m.so you will have time to get familiar with the facilities and services available. Class placement activities ( for fiddle students) will begin at 9:30 a.m.
On Tuesday morning, July 1st, bring your child to the Springhill Retreat Center at about 9:45 a.m. Classes will begin at 10 a.m. You may drop your child off as early as 8:30 a.m., but if you are going to arrive prior to 9:30 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 10 a.m.
Is there a shuttle from and to area airports?
No, for this first Camp we are not anticipating that enough students will be flying in to warrant such a service.
Is there lodging at the camp?
No. Although a limited number of motel rooms exist at the Springhill Retreat Center, we plan on utilizing them for classrooms so they will not be available for lodging. There are many comfortable hotels and motels available in the immediate Richardson area. There is dormitory-style sleeping quarters in the Lodge and tent and RV camping is available on site. The fee is $10 per night per dorm bed, tent campsite or RV space. For assistance with lodging arrangements , please contact Louvian Guiomard at (972) 230-2142. No child can be left unaccompanied at Springhill Retreat Center outside camp class hours ( 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Monday and 8:30 am to 4 pm on Tuesday)
Can I tent camp?
Yes, we have tent camping available at The Springhill Retreat Center on Monday night only for $10 per campsite. There are sinks and bathrooms available for use in the Lodge but no showers or bathing facilities. You can arrange tent camping on your arrival Monday morning, June 30th.
Can I stay in an RV?
Yes on Monday night only, but there are no RV hookups at the Springhill Retreat Center. The fee is $10 per RV.
What should I bring for my child?
A sack lunch, A tape or digital recorder to record lessons (very important), rain gear or umbrella (if it rains), a flashlight, a portable camp chair for outside sessions and classes if weather is nice, a tape or digital recorder to record lessons (did we mention that already), 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. 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 cookout, 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. Go to our scholarship page for more information about how to apply.
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 luch at 12:30 pm. The lunch period is only 30 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 Springhill Retreat Center 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. However, 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 .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. Nonetheless, we will try to accommodate any student interested in learning Irish music.
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 number for the caretaker of the retreat center is (972) 889-0949.
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. You can also call Ken Fleming at (972) 238-8724.