Parkside Avenue Brass
ABOUT THE BAND
Welcome to Parkside Avenue Brass!
For over 30 years, we’ve been bringing the joy of brass music to Western New York and beyond.
Our journey began when five friends, all brass players, were asked to
perform at a wedding in their church.
What started as a single event quickly grew when the pastor asked
us to play at a few services, and from there, we were invited to provide music for a dance.
To offer the best dance tunes, we welcomed a drummer, becoming a six-member band.
Since then, we’ve played countless dances, weddings, park concerts, and church services.
One of our proudest traditions was performing at a local church’s Oktoberfest for over a dozen years until the event eventually concluded.
Our success there inspired us to reach out to the Buffalo Hofbrauhaus when it opened.
To suit the lively atmosphere, we added a vocalist and sound engineer,
and now you can catch us there regularly.
Parkside Avenue Brass is available for hire at rates that fit any budget.
With a repertoire of over 4,000 pieces—and the flexibility to learn new songs upon request—we’re ready to provide music for weddings, dances, concerts, church services, or any event.
As our logo says:
“Music for Your Special Occasion.”
We look forward to making your event unforgettable!
PERFORMANCES
June 14, 2025
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Hofbrauhaus
190 Scott Street
Buffalo, NY
July 19, 2025
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Hofbrauhaus
190 Scott Street
Buffalo, NY
For Information and Bookings
Call Dave Wendel
716-601-9019
Parkside Pictures, Practices and Performances
Meet the Members
Scott Stoberl
Vocalist
A proud Western New York native, Scott Stoberl brings his rich vocal talents and decades of experience to
Parkside Avenue Brass.
Married with two children, Scott is a retired sales professional who has seamlessly woven his passion for music into his life, becoming a cherished voice in numerous ensembles and performances.
Over the years, Scott’s musical journey has been as varied as it is impressive. He has lent his smooth vocals to big bands like the 1322 Big Band, the lively, Hot Shots Band, and the versatileEasy Street Big Band, where his soulful tones always hit the right note. He’s also been a key member of the
Sikora Legion Band and the nostalgic 14K/Sunset Drive Band, bringing energy and heart to every performance.
For more intimate occasions, Scott has shared his talent as a Church Wedding Singer, adding a personal touch to countless ceremonies.
Around the holidays, his voice has become a staple of the Buffalo Candlelight Christmas Vespers, a tradition that brings warmth and joy to the season.
Currently, he also performs as the vocalist for the Lancaster Town Band and contributes to the worship music community at First Trinity Church, where he sings with the Kantor, Kantorei, and Worship Band.
Beyond music, Scott has a passion for cars, both life-sized and miniature, indulging in his hobby with the same enthusiasm he brings to his performances. His dynamic presence and smooth vocals have made him a vital part of Parkside Avenue Brass, captivating audiences with every performance.
With a voice that resonates warmth and a style rooted in soulful expression, Scott Stobrel adds a unique and unforgettable element to the Parkside Avenue Brass experience.
Whether performing a heartfelt ballad or a jazzy up-tempo tune, Scott’s love for music shines brightly, leaving a lasting impression wherever he performs.
Julie Winden
1st Trumpet
From Lewiston, NY, Julie has been playing trumpet for over 40 years. Mostly from a rock and jazz background, Julie has a bold presence no matter what style of music she plays.
Julie recently retired from a 33 year high school science teaching career. While teaching full time, Julie managed to continue playing trumpet in various bands around Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Julie also wanted to learn the art of jazz improvisation, so she spent several years taking private jazz lessons from award winning jazz trumpeter Cindy Bradley from North Tonawanda, reed master Dave Schiavone from Buffalo, and saxophonist Chu Nero from Niagara Falls.
In her free time, Julie continues to work independently on improving her jazz skills. Currently, Julie is 1st trumpet in The Ladies’ First Jazz Big Band, a 17 piece all female jazz band from Amherst, NY and also is the trumpet in The Ladies’ First Jazz Combo (quintet and sextet). J
ulie joined Parkside Brass when they needed to fill the 1st trumpet seat several years ago.
Most recently, Julie joined a rock band from Youngstown, NY called Brass Chance. Other bands that Julie has been a member of in the past are The Carl Filbert Rock and Jazz Band from Niagara Falls, L.G.’s Tribute Band to Kool & The Gang, Slave, Rick James, Michael Jackson, and Prince from Cheektowaga, Oscar Alston’s Tribute Bands to Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Rick James from Buffalo, and Thelma and Tommy Jones’ Tribute bands to Teena Marie, Rick James, Chaka Khan, and Prince from Buffalo.
In 2006, Julie had the opportunity to play on stage in Rochester, NY with pop music recording artist Sophie B. Hawkins after a backstage autograph signing at the Tralfamadore Café
the night before the Rochester gig following an interesting musical conversation.
When she’s not playing trumpet, Julie enjoys her retirement by being outside as much as possible with her two rescue dogs, working on home improvement projects, and playing keyboards and synthesizers on rock tunes to hopefully one day play in her own rock band.
Scott Nicastro
2nd Trumpet
Scott Nicastro is a seasoned trumpet player with over 30 years of experience, blending his love for music with his professional career as an Engineer and Project Manager. Currently residing in Lancaster, NY, Scott has been an integral member of Parkside Avenue Brass for over a decade, bringing his signature sound and expertise to their performances.
Scott’s musical journey has seen him perform with a variety of ensembles, showcasing his versatility and passion for brass music. From the Worshiping Brass and the West Seneca Town Band to the
Genesee Symphony Orchestra, Amherst Chamber Ensemble, and Cheektowaga Symphony, Scott’s talent has been a welcome addition to countless stages.
Music is also a family affair for Scott. He’s married to a fellow trumpet player—whom he first met in the
Erie County Fair Band—and their shared love for brass music continues to resonate in their lives.
When he’s not performing or working on engineering projects, Scott enjoys immersing himself in jazz and big band music, which remain sources of inspiration and joy.
With a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to his craft, Scott Nicastro is a cornerstone of
Parkside Avenue Brass, delivering rich, vibrant performances that captivate audiences and bring their music to life.
Whether on stage or in the audience, his passion for music is unmistakable.
Dave Wendel
1st Euphonium
Mark Wendel
2nd Euphonium
Trombone
Mark’s musical journey began at an early age, inspired by a love for rhythm and melody that led him to play drums and G horns (melophone and soprano) during his early years in drum corps.
In high school, Mark made a pivotal switch to the euphonium, stepping in to support his school band under the guidance of his band director, Mr. Bill Reynolds. This shift not only enriched the band’s sound but also helped Mark build his confidence as a musician.
Never one to stop learning, Mark later taught himself the slide trombone, further expanding his musical repertoire.
After a brief break, his passion for playing reignited when he joined the West Seneca Town Band and the German American Band, thanks to a connection with Mr. Bill Welch.
It wasn’t long before Mark’s dedication and talent culminated in the formation of Parkside Avenue Brass, a group that has become a local favorite.
Today, Mark continues to bring his musical energy to various ensembles, including the Alex Rene Big Band, the West Seneca Town Band, and other groups.
By day, Mark applies his precision and attention to detail as a rebar detailer at Upstate Rebar, but his true joy lies in music.
“I love listening to music, but there’s nothing quite like playing it,” says Mark.
His passion shines through every note, making him an integral part of the Parkside Avenue Brass experience.
Jim Mohr
Tuba
Music Arranger
Jim Mohr is a seasoned tuba and trombone player with over 50 years of musical experience.
A dedicated musician, he has played in numerous ensembles throughout his career, showcasing his versatility across various genres. He has performed with groups such as the West Seneca Band, Amherst Band, the German American Musicians, Shrine Band, and the Alex Rene Big Band, contributing to the rich musical culture of his community.
Jim attended Ithaca College, where he honed his musical skills. He then transfered to UB as a computer science major. He has had a successful career in the computer industry, demonstrating his wide-ranging talents and commitment to excellence both in music and technology.
Throughout his career, Jim has built a reputation as a passionate and accomplished musician, whose love for music continues to inspire both his fellow performers and audiences alike
Mike Wendel
Drums
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and now calling Rochester, NY, home, Mike Wendel’s drumming journey began at the age of 11 with the Queensmen Drum and Bugle Corps from Queen of Martyrs Church. What started as a spark quickly ignited into a lifelong passion for percussion and performance.
Mike’s dedication to the drum corps scene saw him rise through the ranks, playing snare drum with the Getzville Suburban Knights and the Rochester Crusaders. At 20 years old, he reached a pinnacle of excellence, earning a spot as one of ten snare drummers with the world-class Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, Illinois.
After a brief hiatus to focus on college and family, Mike returned to the drum corps stage with vigor. His post-college career included notable stints with the Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps
from Syracuse, the Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps
from Rochester, and the Ghost Riders Mini Corps, crowned World Mini Corps Champions, hailing from the intriguingly named "Parts Unknown."
In addition to his role as the dynamic drummer for Parkside Avenue Brass, Mike continues to share his talents with the Nanobarries Parade Corps, bringing rhythm and energy to every performance.
Beyond performing, Mike has dedicated much of his drumming career to teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians. He has written and instructed several marching bands drum lines in the Buffalo area, including West Seneca High School, Lancaster Middle School, the Erie County All Star Marching Band and The University at Buffalo.
With decades of experience, an impressive resume of performances, and a passion for percussion, Mike Wendel is a cornerstone of Parkside Avenue Brass, delivering rhythm and excitement with every beat.
Whether on stage, in the classroom, or in a parade, Mike’s love for music shines brightly, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear him play.
Outside of drumming, Mike works as a manager of a medical laboratory. He also enjoys bowling and of course, Buffalo sports.
Mike Southard
Sound Engineer
Tinkering with recording equipment since he was 13, Mike brings more than 40 years of experience running sound and has been working with Parkside Avenue Brass since 2023.
Mike went to school to become a recording engineer but fate had a different role for him. He has been working in manufacturing for over 35 years and has been in quality for 30. He’s currently a QC Technician at a manufacturing company here in Buffalo.
His love for all things music allowed him to produce sound for almost all types of music from barbershop quartets, choral groups, jazz, country rock and now brass bands.
Originally from Rochester, he has worked with several groups in that area and has been known to perform with a few of them on occasion. (He sings and plays instruments too?!!!) Here in Buffalo, he has worked with the Buffalo Choral Arts Society and now Parkside Avenue Brass.
Mike currently lives in Amherst with his wife and kids.
Sound Guy Motto:
Nobody notices what I do…
until I don’t do it.
Aaron (Hippie) Otoka
Sound
