In January of 2009, Vincent DiMartino of Centre College and ITG President 1987-1989 & 2001-2003 visited Athens, Greece and Rybnik, Poland with Gerassimos Ioannidis, former second trumpet of the Athens State Opera Orchestra.

While in Athens, DiMartino held a series of five master classes at The Orpheus Conservatory organized by Professor Ioannidis. Each day, students and local professionals participated in the classes. The sessions started with presentations by DiMartino on various topics including daily practice, warm up methods, jazz improvisation, orchestral excerpts, and solo literature. After the presentations, attendees played for the class. Selections ranged from standard literature like (Thørvald Hansen Sonata and Kennan Sonata) to orchestral excerpts (Mahler Symphony #5), to standard jazz repertoire.

In Poland, their first visit was to Krakow to hear the famed “Trumpeter of Krakow” fanfare live.  They next went to Rybnik, a city about two hours southwest of Krakow, to play two Christmas concerts in two large churches with The Band of Rybnik directed by Marian Wolny. The Band of Rybnik performed selections with singers of traditional Polish Christmas music as well as traditional carols recognized throughout the world. Professor DiMartino performed the solos Virgen de la Macarena as well as Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Gerassimos Ioannidis performed The Christmas Song as well two duets with DiMartino ending with the traditional Silent Night accompanied by the singers and band.

DiMartino & Ioannidis