Now that we are moving toward a music list for the Jazz component of the mpa, what about combos?  Are they going to be expected to play from a list too?  In the past playing standards from lead sheets worked well because it demanded the players listened to music in order to learn style, changes etc.  Does anyone know whether the combos are required to play from a list?

Part of the problem with jazz literature is lack of permanency. Music often goes out of print as soon as it "hits the shelves." This is a shame because much good literature is simply not performed due to lack of availability ("out of print"). We find this to be less of a problem with concert band literature because many states have developed music lists which directors must choose their literature from. It is even less of a problem with orchestral literature because much of that has existed for even longer periods of time (save for some of the newer releases). Publishers tend to keep items in print based upon demand. If there is a lack of demand for future sales, the title quickly disappears from stock. There are some exceptions that seem to stay in print in the jazz medium, but I believe much more quality literature is lost than preserved.

Although I am of the opinion (as an adjudicator and educator) that jazz ensembles should prepare at least one selection for the District and State Jazz Ensemble MPA from a list, I understand the reality of this situation and therefore entirely support as a minimum, a list of recommended titles. This will at least assist young and/or inexperienced directors make wise selections for their ensembles. If you think it is worthwhile that we make an effort to preserve our jazz literature, then we should forward recommendations of what we deem "quality literature" to the jazz committee, or perhaps, use this thread to post suggestions of literature that should appear on this recommended list.