Big Band composer and pianist Frank Mantooth will perform as guest soloist with Penn State's top jazz band Centre Dimensions tonight.

Mantooth will be featured in several numbers with the 17-member band, including a couple of his own arrangements. In addition to his concert performance, Mantooth will also hold afternoon master-classes with music students today and tomorrow.

Centre Dimensions director Dan Yoder has known Mantooth since 1978 when they both played in Ashley Alexander's band in Los Angeles. Since then, the two have occasionally worked together teaching jazz camps.

Although Mantooth is not currently teaching, he has been on the music faculties of both DePaul and Northern Illinois universities. He now divides his time equally between composing and performing regularly.

"He's considered one of the leading composers of Big Band literature today," Yoder said. "But he also has a high profile performance career as well."

Mantooth's recent album, Suite Tooth, received a four-star review in Down Beat magazine two years ago, with five stars the highest possible rating. He has also published books on the subject of jazz keyboard voicings and chord changes.

Trumpet player Marty Bound, in his third semester with Centre Dimensions, is looking forward to the performance.

"It's a great band," said Bound (junior-music education). "It's a lot of fun to play in."

Bound described Mantooth's master-classes as "one of those things you just can't pass up."

Past guest soloists with the band have included trumpet player Jon Faddis and trombonists John Fedchock and Jim Pugh, who has played with Chick Corea. The band also expects to host Dennis DiBlasio in April.

The concert will be held in the Music Building's Recital Hall and will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in room 112 Music Building or at the door before the show.