Park Avenue Brass
Joe Yaksich, trumpet, is one of the founding members of the Park Avenue Brass (PAB). He was born and raised in Niles, Ohio. Joe earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the Youngstown State University, Dana School of Music in 1992; and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Kent State University, Glauser School of Music in 1997. As a freelance musician he has performed with many area ensembles including: the Youngstown Symphony, the Brass Band of the Western Reserve, the W.D. Packard Concert Band, and the Carmen Mico Orchestra.
Joe has taught Junior and Senior High School music since 1992 and began his teaching career in the Canfield Local Schools. He has been employed in the Wethersfield Local Schools for 25+ years where he directs the high school bands and choirs. Joe has been a choir director and organist in church music and has served at the First United Methodist Church in Hubbard, the First Christian Church in Girard, and the Girard United Methodist Church.
Gabriella Sandy, has been playing the trumpet since the 8th grade and is a founding member of the PAB. She was born and raised in Niles, Ohio and is a 2013 graduate of Niles McKinley High School where she happily participated in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. She was awarded two scholarships upon graduation for continuing her career in Music Education.
Gabriella is a 2018 graduate of Youngstown State University, Dana School of Music where she earned the degree of Bachelor of Education in Music Education. During her college years she performed in the Marching Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Jazz Band. In addition to working on her undergraduate degree, she had the honor of regularly participating in the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, sounding Taps at local and national events including twice at the Gettysburg National Cemetery, and performing throughout Northeast Ohio at church and wedding services. Gabriella recently graduated from Youngstown State University, Dana School of Music with a Master of Music Performance – Conducting in May of 2022.
Gabriella is a K-4 Elementary Music Teacher in the Liberty Local School District as well as an Assistant Marching Band Director for Niles McKinley High School. Outside of work, she plays in the Salem Community Band and the Girard Community Swing Band. When she’s able to find spare time, she enjoys baking, gardening, genealogy, and listening to all things Broadway. She resides in Niles, OH with her three cats.
Victoria Ryser, horn, is an original members of the PAB. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and moved to the Youngstown/Warren area to attend Youngstown State University where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the Youngstown State University, Dana School of Music. In 2021 she earned a Master of Music in Horn Performance from Bowling Green State University, College of Musical Arts. Victoria is a member of the W.D. Packard Band as well as an active freelance musician playing solo as well as with ensembles and symphonies performing such pieces as first horn on Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Symphony and fourth horn on Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Victoria is a teacher at Southington Local School District in Southington, Ohio where she teachers K-8 general music as well as 5-12 band. In addition, she works locally as a music coach and private instructor for students of all ages and abilities.
Leslie Core, trombone, was born and raised in Cortland, Ohio and is a founding member of the Park Avenue Brass (PAB.) She is a music teacher in the Weathersfield Local School District where she teaches K-6 music and beginning band. Leslie earned a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music Education from Youngstown State University. She currently plays with the W. D. Packard Concert Band, the Big Band Sounds of Packard, and the Top Notes Big Band of Warren. Leslie is the choir director of the Girard United Methodist Church in Girard, Ohio.
Leslie has played with the Youngstown Symphony orchestra and has been a featured soloist with the Lakeview High School Symphonic Band, the Warren Junior Military Band, the Mercer Community Band, the Dana School of Music Wind Ensemble and the W. D. Packard Concert band. When she is not making music she volunteers with the Animal Welfare League of Vienna.
Stephen Orlando, tuba, the newest member of PAB, was born in Youngstown and graduated from Girard Junior/Senior High School. Stephen earned a Bachelor of Music with focus on Instrumental Education in 2013 from Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music and earned a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in 2022. Stephen has taught music at all grade levels from kindergarten to high school in the Girard school district and is currently the high school band director at Niles McKinley.
Stephen has participated as a tubist, guest vocalist, and conductor in Tuba Christmas for nineteen years and is excited to celebrate his second decade spreading holiday cheer. He has also played with the Girard Community Swingtime Band, the Dixie Dandies, and performed at various church services in the area. He also has been instrumental in spreading the tuba gospel to anyone who will listen. “It’s more than quarter and whole notes; it’s a lifestyle.” Citing tubist Richard White as an inspiration, Stephen also dedicates his life to spreading his love of music and specifically evangelizing the tuba as an instrument worthy of respect. He has studied under tuba masters Daniel Perantoni and Timothy Northcut at the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute in Denver, Colorado.
Stephen is excited to join the PAB in this newest chapter of his musical odyssey. He hopes his participation in playing music outside his teaching career will inspire his own students and others to continue to pursue musical performance themselves regardless of where their life paths lead them.
Past Members
Jacob Umbrazun (Tuba) ~ 2022-2023