Bob Mintzer is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and big band leader. 　　While touring with the Yellowjackets or his own quartet, or big band, Mintzer writes music for big band, various small bands, saxophone quartets, orchestral and concert band music. He is on the faculty of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with long-time cohorts Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua, Vince Mendoza, and fellow Yellowjacket Russell Ferrante. He teaches jazz composition, saxophone, directs the Thornton Jazz Orchestra, and conducts a jazz workshop class. He does workshops all over the globe, writes books on a variety of musical subjects, plays on countless recordings every year, and is summoned to be guest conductor and soloist with large and small bands.[citation needed] 　　Mintzer has worked with Tito Puente, Buddy Rich, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, James Taylor, New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, American Saxophone Quartet, Art Blakey, Donald Fagen, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, Kurt Elling, Jaco Pastorius, Mike Mainieri, and Randy Brecker.