Intelligible—This parameter has ram

Intelligible—This parameter has ramifications for sung language, which on most occasions should be English. Language used in worship should be comprehensible, and texts for noncongregational, sung music will appear in the order of service. When other languages are used, a translation will be given so that worshipers can fully interact with the textual and musical meaning (1 Cor. 14:7–10, 19). Musical style should also be intelligible—clear, understandable, explained when unusual or difficult, etc.
Authentic—Authenticity in worship is related to truthfulness, but here refers to the realm of aesthetics. We utilize live musicians for worship service music and believe that it is important to do so. The Bible models this in many places. We do not use pre-recorded music or accompaniment tracks both because this precludes other participants from the Body and because such recordings are historical rather than organic. The use of live musicians affords flexibility in tempo, nuance, time, pitch, and all of the other living aspects of music. We do not amplify soloists. Instrumentalists will play on acoustic instruments. The argument can be made that something real is better than something that is not real. We avoid electronic instruments that require amplification and function as recording devices because they are aesthetically inauthentic. (2) Truthfulness should characterize all that we offer God (John 4:24) and this extends to music, musicians, and musical instruments.
Concert Music

Concert music, by definition, is music performed in programs called “concerts” or “recitals” that are outside the context of regular worship services. Concerts are not worship services, although one is certainly capable of worshipping in a concert context, and the performers’ work can be a musical offering to God. Some of the parameters such as theme, language, applause, and other protocol for a concert, however, will be different than those in force in the context of worship. Challenging art music and other music that primarily exists to display the virtuosity of the performer are welcome in this context.
We believe that music performed in concert programs at Tenth should be:
To the glory of God—All music is offered Soli Deo Gloria irrespective of its origin, compositional language or the composer’s intention. Applause on the part of the concert audience is culturallyappropriate recognition for the effort and skill of the performers. At the same time, both audience and performers should internally acknowledge that it is all “from him and through him and to him”—Romans 11:36.
Excellent—This has to do with the level of performer/performance as well as with the music selected and how it is presented. (See “Worship Music” for more on this.)
Artistic—Most music performed in concert contexts will be art music or sacred music. Art music is music that exists for purposes beyond function, though it may be functional. This is different from popular music, commercial music, patriotic music or other idioms. Art music primarily includes the genres of “classical” music, although some jazz and sacred music fits here as well. The amount of repertoire and variety of styles and forms that fit these classifications are incredibly large, spanning more than one thousand years.
Edifying to the saints—We hold that concerts presented at Tenth, or other places where ensembles from Tenth perform, should be a means of bolstering both the spirit and the mind. Concerts should encourage believers in their faith, musical understanding, and artistic experience. As such, in addition to the qualities listed above, verbal or written notes will be regular facets of such programs to aid the audience.
An outreach to the community—Concert programs draw some into the church buildings who do not attend our regular worship services. All programs are open to everyone without charge. We also aim to give some verbal witness to Christ and the Christian faith in our concert programs.