J

ust behind the tennis courts in Altoona City Park, an unassuming rectangle-of-a-building has been given a name and some fresh coats of dark green paint. 

The Phish Haus – a reincarnation of a youth arts center that expired in 1996 – is back and brimming with ambition. A group of parents that also spearheaded the Taste of Harmony Festival under the umbrella non-profit “Family-Ties Altoona” is at the helm. 

“The hope is to have structured classes in here without a cost,” said President Reese McIntyre. “Because everything shouldn’t have to cost. The profit is to our kids.”

Four kids sat at desktop computers in a short hallway off the main room and two girls sat on the couch and used laptops. This upstairs portion is called “JAVA” – a collection of tables with board games as centerpieces, a movie projection screen hanging against one wall, and hula-hoops stacked against another. “JAVA” also features a hand-built countertop where kid-friendly food like chips, pickles, and root beer floats are sold. “We want to have hot dogs, ready-made sandwiches, and coffee,” said McIntyre, noting that a license is still in the works for selling brewed coffee. 

Last year, the building that had held occasional Parks & Recreation activities sat completely unused. “It was institutional,” Tammy McIntyre said of the building’s former look. “It was just white walls.” 

The downstairs segment creates a different vibe altogether, termed “JIVE.” I’m shocked at the sheer number of instruments that are amassed down here. There are acoustic and electric guitars on stands, a drum set, and a giant mixer with cords heaped like unkempt weeds. There is a large open spot on the floor that’s painted in a radial geometric design of red, black, green, blue, and yellow shapes.

“We want it to be an extension of the music program,” said McIntyre, noting that the school only provides instruction for certain instruments and genres, and that guitar and piano are typically excluded.

“We wanted to show that music isn’t just a game,” said Neil Bauer, a volunteer who cites Guitar Hero as the source of that mindset. “Some kids can just naturally play, and if they don’t get that opportunity …” Bauer trailed off.

The Phish Haus also has the ability to cut CDs with professional recording equipment, and they’ve already done so for local bands Clairvoyance and Lights in the Attic. Former sound producer for the Stones Throw Leigh Carey donated the instruments and will specialize in teaching kids and other volunteers how to self-produce. Self-sustainability is a big goal.

“When we’re done, we can just walk away and it’ll keep going,” said McIntyre. 

Not only does the group support the performances and recordings of students, they also host musicians that can serve as role models – individuals such as Brian Bethke and groups like Irie Sol. One of their volunteer members, Donald Rasby, doubles as DJ “D” Train, providing music for special events like MORP, an informal dance which was held this summer for seniors.

“We’re filling a niche where … the kids have a place to go. Some kids don’t,” he added. “The parents say they’d rather donate their money here than pay for day care. Some kids are 13, 14, and their parents are paying for child care. We want the families to be able to send them here, because it’s free.”

Initial success can be attributed to Family Ties-Altoona (comprising McIntyre, his wife Tammy, and seven volunteer members) and their willingness to open their pockets and schedules. Though they have support from the City of Altoona and the school district, it’s moral, not financial. 

“They say, go for it!” said Yee Tak Ngan, laughing. J

ust behind the tennis courts in Altoona City Park, an unassuming rectangle-of-a-building has been given a name and some fresh coats of dark green paint. 

The Phish Haus – a reincarnation of a youth arts center that expired in 1996 – is back and brimming with ambition. A group of parents that also spearheaded the Taste of Harmony Festival under the umbrella non-profit “Family-Ties Altoona” is at the helm. 

“The hope is to have structured classes in here without a cost,” said President Reese McIntyre. “Because everything shouldn’t have to cost. The profit is to our kids.”

Four kids sat at desktop computers in a short hallway off the main room and two girls sat on the couch and used laptops. This upstairs portion is called “JAVA” – a collection of tables with board games as centerpieces, a movie projection screen hanging against one wall, and hula-hoops stacked against another. “JAVA” also features a hand-built countertop where kid-friendly food like chips, pickles, and root beer floats are sold. “We want to have hot dogs, ready-made sandwiches, and coffee,” said McIntyre, noting that a license is still in the works for selling brewed coffee. 

Last year, the building that had held occasional Parks & Recreation activities sat completely unused. “It was institutional,” Tammy McIntyre said of the building’s former look. “It was just white walls.” 

The downstairs segment creates a different vibe altogether, termed “JIVE.” I’m shocked at the sheer number of instruments that are amassed down here. There are acoustic and electric guitars on stands, a drum set, and a giant mixer with cords heaped like unkempt weeds. There is a large open spot on the floor that’s painted in a radial geometric design of red, black, green, blue, and yellow shapes.

“We want it to be an extension of the music program,” said McIntyre, noting that the school only provides instruction for certain instruments and genres, and that guitar and piano are typically excluded.

“We wanted to show that music isn’t just a game,” said Neil Bauer, a volunteer who cites Guitar Hero as the source of that mindset. “Some kids can just naturally play, and if they don’t get that opportunity …” Bauer trailed off.

The Phish Haus also has the ability to cut CDs with professional recording equipment, and they’ve already done so for local bands Clairvoyance and Lights in the Attic. Former sound producer for the Stones Throw Leigh Carey donated the instruments and will specialize in teaching kids and other volunteers how to self-produce. Self-sustainability is a big goal.

“When we’re done, we can just walk away and it’ll keep going,” said McIntyre. 

Not only does the group support the performances and recordings of students, they also host musicians that can serve as role models – individuals such as Brian Bethke and groups like Irie Sol. One of their volunteer members, Donald Rasby, doubles as DJ “D” Train, providing music for special events like MORP, an informal dance which was held this summer for seniors.

“We’re filling a niche where … the kids have a place to go. Some kids don’t,” he added. “The parents say they’d rather donate their money here than pay for day care. Some kids are 13, 14, and their parents are paying for child care. We want the families to be able to send them here, because it’s free.”

Initial success can be attributed to Family Ties-Altoona (comprising McIntyre, his wife Tammy, and seven volunteer members) and their willingness to open their pockets and schedules. Though they have support from the City of Altoona and the school district, it’s moral, not financial. 

“They say, go for it!” said Yee Tak Ngan, laughing.