Retreat Facts

 

 

 

 

Why is it called a retreat?
Jim O’Flaherty, the person whom the retreat was named, held annual sessions at his house that included hours of lively music, a pot luck and an opportunity to relax with friends new and old. He made it a comfortable place for all players whatever their level. In many respects, it was like being on a retreat with people you liked to be with. That is our hope for OIMR. People will come assured that they will be welcomed and encouraged -- a place where they can relax among friends and play the music they love.

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?
Trinity Hall Restaurant & Pub and its Trinity Hall Session Players joined to fund the first OIMR in 2004 and remain active sponsors of the retreat. The Southwest Celtic Music Association is also a sponsor providing funding, marketing and operational support. Dr. Fred Stribling and family have made generous donations in support of the retreat in recent years.

What is the retreat's purpose/mission?
The O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat is a learning environment that will teach the fundamentals of traditional Irish music. It will serve to encourage young and new players as they struggle through the learning process. It will challenge 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 retreat, and as a tribute, the retreat is named for him.

When can I arrive?
You can arrive Thursday evening after 5 p.m., Thursday, October 25th. You can arrive at the retreat anytime Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings, just be sure and park in the designated areas if no one is there to direct traffic. Check in will begin promptly at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday mornings at the retreat office as you enter the camp grounds.

What is the location of the retreat?
The retreat will be held at Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center, 8060 Singleton Rd., Midlothian, Texas 76065. For a map and directions, go to MAP. For more information about the camp, go to http://www.hoblitzelle.com.  For a site map, go to SITE.

What do I do when I arrive?
You should go to the Retreat Office to receive a packet of necessary information and your pass/name badge which you must wear at all times. We suggest checking in at least an hour before classes begin so you will have time to get familiar with the facilities and services available. The retreat office will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday night;  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday; and 10 - 12 noon on Monday. When the office is closed, seek out our event managers who will be traveling around the grounds on carts or call them at (972) 238-8724.

Is there a shuttle from and to area airports?
Yes, we operate our own shuttle between DFW and Dallas Love Field Airports at Camp Hoblitzelle.  The cost is $25 per trip and can be arranged through your online account that you set up when you enroll.  The shuttle service is assessed via the "Store" link.  Here is our current schedule:

Thursday, Oct. 25th
Pickup from DFW Airport at 6 p.m. at the Skylink* station on the departure level (lowest level) between gates C8 and C12.
Pickup from Dallas Love Field at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 26th
Pickup from Dallas Love Field at 7:30 a.m.
Pickup from DFW Airport at 8:30 a.m. at the Skylink* station on the departure level (lowest level) between gates C8 and C12.

Sunday, Oct. 28th
Depart to DFW and Love Field Airports at 6:30 p.m. and arrive around 7:30 p.m. at DFW at the Skylink* station on the departure level (lowest level) between gates C8 and C12 and 8:30 p.m. at Dallas Love Field.

Monday, Oct. 29th
Depart to DFW and Love Field Airports at 7:30 a.m. and arrive around 8:30 a.m. at DFW at the Skylink* station on the departure level (lowest level) between gates C8 and C12 and 9:30 a.m. at Dallas Love Field.
Depart to DFW and Love Field Airports at 10:30 a.m. and arrive around 11:30 a.m. at DFW at the Skylink* station on the departure level (lowest level) between gates C8 and C12 and 12:30 p.m. at Dallas Love Field.

*  Click here to go to Skylink's website for more info.  SKYLINK

Is there lodging at the camp?
Yes, we will have dormitories, motel rooms and cottages available for our students and families Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. In fact, we strongly recommend staying at our facilities on-site because of the late evening activities that you may want to attend. The costs vary from $20 to $200 per night. To save money, we encourage you to share a room with other students. For more information about the options, go to our LODGING PAGE. You can reserve your lodging during the online registration process.

Can I tent camp?
Yes, we will have tent camping available in the "fort" next to the camp's lake on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 25-28). The cost is $15 per night for a family campsite (up to three tents, one family). There are sinks and bathrooms but no showers or electricity. You can arrange tent camping during the online registration process.

Can I stay in an RV?
Yes, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only (Oct. 25-28) at a designated area on the property. The cost is $20 per night and it includes electrical and water hookups. There is not a dump station at the camp. You can arrange RV lodging during the online registration process.

What should I bring?
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 and amplifiers (electric pianos are okay).

What will I get for my tuition?
The three-day tuition covers nine 90-minute class sessions and three 60-minute electives, the instructor concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and all class materials. The single day tuition covers only those activities on that particular day. You must have a pass/name badge for the day(s) you are enrolled to be admitted to any of the classes and concerts.

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 food at the retreat?
Yes. Meals are $7 each. There will be meals provided for Friday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Monday breakfast. All of the meals will be served in the camp dining hall. We will also sell water, soda and snacks at the Products Booth. You can purchase meals during online registration. To order additional meals in advance for non-student friends and family and have food tickets waiting for you when you check-in, you can order and pay for them at our online store which will be uploaded in June.

Are there restaurants in the area?
There are primarily fast food restaurants in Midlothian. The better deal (and quality) is the food found at the camp.

What's the weather like?
It could be cold or absolutely beautiful. All of the facilities have heaters and all of the classes will be indoors, unless it is nice out and we decide to move classes outdoors.

Are t-shirts and CDs for sale?
Yes, we will have a limited number of shirts for $15 for adult sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) and our very own "Live at Trinity Hall with the Trinity Hall Session Players" CD for just $10. We will have other instructor CDs available for sale too. To order your t-shirts and cds in advance and have the waiting for you when you check-in, you can order and pay for them at our online store which will be uploaded in June.

Can I buy additional concert tickets?
Yes, you can buy additional tickets for friends and family members. The concerts are free to registered students, but you may buy tickets for youth and seniors (ages 18 and under and 65 and older) for $9 and for everyone else for $15. Children ages 6 and under are free (no ticket required).  Tickets can be ordered and purchased at our online store (available after you set up an account during online registration) or at check in.  A concert ticket admits the purchaser to all of the concerts at the retreat.

Are there sessions?
Yes. We encourage players to get together whenever time allows. Some sessions will be organized by our instructors while others will happen spontaneously. This year will offer sessions for different levels of play. Please refrain from playing near areas where classes are being held.

Are there classes just for beginners?
Yes. We will offer a series of classes for beginners called "Irish Music Basics" that are for students who are just learning or wanting to learn Irish music and also play at a beginning level on their instruments. Most other classes will accept beginning players although the Basics class is the one we recommend. If the Basics class is not challenging enough, you can switch to other classes if there is space available. We also offer basic classes for fiddle, tinwhistle, flute and bodhran.

Can I change classes?
You can change classes before the retreat via email up until Monday, October 22nd if there is room in the classes of which you want to enroll. Email us at retreat@irishtradmusic.org or call us at 972-238-8724.

Are there payphones?
No. So, you are welcomed to bring your cell phones. During classes, however, please turn them off or set them on vibrate.  Please be advised that many cell services don't work well inside the camp.  Most work at the entry gate.

What are the emergency numbers?
If you need phone numbers to give someone in the event of an emergency, give them the retreat office number at Hoblitzelle at (972) 723-2387 ext. 117. We will forward our main office number (972) 238-8724 to our managers' cell phones during the retreat.

Is there a lost and found?
Yes, at the Retreat Office.

If I have any questions, comments, criticisms or complaints, who do I contact?

Before, During or After the Event:
Ken Fleming, Director, at kenfleming@irishtradmusic.org, (972) 238-8724 cell: (214)770-5036

During the Event:
Retreat Office -- (972) 723-2387 ext. 117
Managers will carry phones during the day and can be reached by calling (972) 238-8724.