Why music is cut in schools

I've held (since Mr Gingrich & Mr. Holland's Opus) that one of the primary reasons music is usually the first subject cut from education is because the decision makers are usually inexperienced in the benefits of music-making (creativity, social, self-discipline, teamwork, sense of achievement, focus, sense of occasion, etc). Some may have participated in music at some point in their lives, but unless the actual benefits were shared with them, they still consider music as a nice extra (refer to my previous "Perspective Insight" blog post that quoted Isaac Stern: "Playing music in America is like selling a luxury item...")

It's nice to see how a decision-making Principal (Head Teacher) realizes how useful music can be to the development of children/ teenagers. Click here to read one version of the full story - the focus of the story is a reduction in detention/ misbehaviour, but the real benefit is that without class disruption, more students are able learn more.

My two concerns remain using [any] music as a deterrent - instead of inviting students to listen and learn about the incredible language of audible music they get turned off completely - somehow, though, it seems at least being exposed to it will have a positive impact later in life in more people than not. My other concern is using gentle music to lull young children to sleep. Every time they hear a slow movement from a Mozart symphony for the rest of their lives, they will be inclined to fall asleep and completely miss the entire musical journey Mozart created for us. Just a warning, is all.

Perceptive Insight 14

"In 1912, the London Symphony Orchestra was the first British orchestra to visit the United States, only narrowly avoiding travelling on the Titanic."

Brahms? Oh... HIM.

[There's a video: If you're reading this on facebook click on 'view original post' below. If you're reading this in an email, click on the title above]

Do you like the music Brahms wrote? Have you even heard of Brahms? You'll probably recognize some of his music if you heard that, at least. In the growth of 'the symphony' he immediately followed Beethoven, and had a hard time doing so. Brahms' first symphony took 20 years to compose and was often referred to as "Beethoven's 10th" (Beethoven wrote 9 symphonies).

A preview to an LSO concert series last season reveals what orchestral musicians think. In this video find out what Andre Previn considers "insane", and what Tchaikovsky thought of his contemporary! Most revealing:

WNYC - Soundtracking Surgery

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We all know music has unexplainable benefits/use for our daily lives. This program discussed using music in the surgery room and hospitals:

WNYC - Soundcheck: Soundtracking Surgery (January 08, 2010)

My response:

"Such a fascinating subject. As a conductor of a variety of styles (including some contemporary rock/pop, theater & film music as well as classical), I find it intriguing that music has so far not played a more integral part in all our lives. The psychological, emotional and physical benefits of PARTICIPATING in music (listening as well as performing) far outweigh our understanding... so why don't we embrace it in everyday life? I like that Dr Conrad is formalizing reasons why we should.

"Some of my concerns, however, are not just bad associations (the reason why someone died whilst listening to a particular song could be interpreted a number of different ways) but using music to lull people into unconsciousness - such as Mozart. I'm afraid that we have a generation of children who will fall asleep whenever they hear the slow movement of a Mozart symphony or concerto when, in fact, they are missing out on an incredible aural, emotional & meditative journey! There are also dangers in using music to subdue (or inspire) behaviour as a background medium - in shopping malls, stores, and even public lavatories!

"We should remember: There's more to music than music. Isaac Stern is reported to have said, "Playing music in America you feel like you're selling a luxury item. But in England you're providing a necessity." Maybe he's right - maybe in the USA we should incorporate music into our lives far more than we do. It is obvious that certain music works to everyone's benefit in the hospital environment. Well done!"

Perceptive Insight 13

"Wilberforce knew somebody had detuned a string on his viola. He just couldn't be sure which one."

Orchestral Common Sense?

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What's this? Someone again talking common sense? Perhaps our failed economic structure prompts the publication of the murmuring quiet undertones amongst those who see reality.

Good on yer, Mr. Kaiser! Raise that question mightily high.

Does the Symphonic Orchestra Model Work?

Not financially, is the answer. Solution? I have some ideas, but nothing anyone would ever take seriously, particularly as there are unions involved on all sides. Hmmm. Therein lies its own problems, perhaps.

A man after my own perspective!

(If reading this on Facebook, click on 'View Original Post' to see the whole post)

Having very rarely subscribed to many conducting industry propoganda-norms, especially the politics (perhaps one of the primary reasons for the lack of a 'successful' full-time conducting career), I am extremely pleased to have heard this:

Just heard on a British classical music radio station that the vastly-recorded Valery Gergiev prefers to perform with an orchestra just slightly under-rehearsed. Apparently he thinks that over-rehearsal (which to a British musician means more than once, perhaps twice) is the bane of orchestral life, and he likes to keep musicians on their toes: a concert with some 'wits' about it produces a far better experience for everyone.

Yippee! Finally, concordance from an established household name!!!
I feel justified in another of my own perspectives, at last.

Live Music Survey Prize goes to...

Click here to have my blog sent to your inbox

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for all 214 responses to my 'Live Music' survey. After printing them all (but before cataloging them), I threw them up in the air and picked one up. Congratulations, Susan Chara! Your $50 Amazon gift card is on it's way to you!!!

It's taken me quite a while to read everyone's comments, but these made me smile, laugh, or cry!:

• Definition: "Live music is when you and the musician making the music are in the same room." (Leslie)


• Technology: "...there is no accounting for taste." (Ruan)


• Recordings: "The outside world is shut out." (Martha)


• Mental: "It's medicine for a troubled mind." (Ann, quoting Walter Haddon)


• Physical: "Reduce stress." (Harry)


• Social: "People are... less uptight!" (Jane)

Again, thank you so very much for sharing your opinions and insight. Collectively, it will create a good foundation for reading someday!

"I LOVE NJ ARTS"! make a video

1. Who knew that October is DISCOVER JERSEY ARTS month? How'd I miss that one? Where did you find out about it?
2. Anyone interested in doing some filming? I have a few opportunities for you...


Art Pride New Jersey Foundation wants your videos for arts contest
By Ronni Reich (Star Ledger)
October 12, 2009, 7:29PM
Local arts aficionados with video cameras can win prizes as the Art Pride New Jersey Foundation celebrates Jon Corzine’s official proclamation of October as Discover Jersey Arts Month.

The “I Love N.J. Arts” video contest invites people to submit 30- to 60-minute videos about why they love the arts in New Jersey to Jerseyarts.com. A panel of New Jersey film personalities will judge the submissions in early November. Three winning entries will each receive a customized Flip Mino video camera. Submissions are being accepted through Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. Complete contest details and submission information are available at JerseyArts.com/videocontest.

"Ode to Hen" by Vincent Beer Beethoven

My youth-orchestra/ percussion ensemble buddies Jonathan and Graham are now brewery film stars! This is:

1. Classic.
2. Typical.
3. SO MUCH FUN!

Love it, guys. Well done, Jon.

(Click here if you can't see the video on Facebook)

Discover how to listen to music

Check out this great article:
Discover how to listen to music

Rare Victor Borge

I've seen many Victor Borge sketches but came across this one only today. Remarkable. The guy really was a genius in many ways. Of course, it helps to have a basic knowledge of the classical music repertoire, so something like Borge's humor probably wouldn't be all that funny these days. Such a pity - we've lost so much in the past 20 years.

ENJOY

Christmas & Summer Concert British-style Brass Band!

[If you're reading this on Facebook, please go to www.stephenpbrown.com/spbblog.html for all the links to work! And remember to SHARE this post on your wall]

In lieu of a monthly newsletter, I am inviting you to "have your say" regarding one of the most delectable, smooth & brilliant community-based concepts the human soul could ever experience, and consider an idea that has been presented to me several times, particularly in the past few months. Your global/ worldly influence and direct input will ensure the correct, focused, and passionate formation of a British-style Brass Band in Northern NJ.

"What is a British-style Brass Band?" I hear some of you ask.

Brass Bands in the UK and the Commonwealth began in the mines and collieries of the Midlands around 1810, and now consist of 26 specific instruments and players, including three versatile percussionists. All performing members are volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to pursuing a perfect performance, either in community concerts or in regional and national competitions against other bands. Please read this excellent article by Douglas Yeo (trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra) about his experience with a British Brass Band.

It has been suggested that my own experiences playing for several different brass bands in the UK (primarily The Medway Brass Band and Aveley & Newham Brass Band) along with 20+ years training as a conductor, will help develop a new British-style Brass Band in Northern NJ. Alongside the Princeton Brass Band, the Imperial Brass Band, the Atlantic Brass Band, and the ever-growing NABBA, this new ensemble will provide Northern NJ communities (and beyond through CDs & DVDs) with their own creamy* resource for Christmas and Summer concerts.

Please do two things:
1. Answer the five questions in this initial survey, and
2. Encourage as many musicians, community supporters and volunteers as you can to complete the survey, whether or not they live in NJ! You can forward this email, or post the link below in a blog or on Facebook!

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2l1cq9rfzyd22y0/start

Thank you. With sufficient people also excited about this tremendous opportunity, it will not be long before we are able to form, fund and furnish a heart-warming band that many local communities can utilize for a great many reasons!

Please ALSO forward this post to all brass & percussion players, teachers & students in your realm of influence.

Here's a video compilation of a few British-style Brass Bands performing in the Netherlands in 2005:


*as described by Christopher Swann.

Amateur Excellence

I've often been chastized by close friends and colleagues for being a perfectionist, and I've stopped referring to my musical experiences in the UK because they have caused resentment and responses along the lines of: "we're not good enough for you", or "of course the British are so much better than everyone else", or even "you really are mightier than thou." Serious Ouchness. (anyone who can claim to know me well knows how much this hurts).

So rather than share my stories and offer reasons why I like things to be done with our best possible efforts, I just do it. If the results are excellent, Great! If they're not, that's OK too. Yes, I compromise and justify it as 'survival' (!). It's also very interesting to witness so much trendy talk about 'excellence' without any backing commitment to it. I guess one needs to understand what excellence is before one can even attempt to achieve it!

So, I was pleased, VERY pleased to recently come across this article by Douglas Yeo, a US professional musician who witnessed first hand, the kind of musical environment I grew up in. His article has given me confidence and a little satisfaction that I'm OK - I'm alright. The things I worry about are worth worrying about, regardless of what friends & peers often say. Almost beaten to the ground, this article came at the right time to boost my spirits, and I truly look forward to maintaining the pursuit of excellence Douglas himself experienced.


This is one of the brass bands I played for in the UK, The Medway Band. At the back center is my dear friend Mark Andrew, and one of my ex-students, Richard Scarff is now playing for Aveley & Newham - another band I often played with. Good on ya, boys! Keep up the great playing...


I have often felt that the amateur brass band scene in the UK is one of the most intriguing outlets of self-expression that exists, and through it I learned much about dedication, hard work, loyalty, EXCELLENCE, team-work, reliability, presentation, my role amongst others, and society: although fierce enemies on the competition stage, players from different bands will drink beer and laugh together with players from many other bands (usually about conductors, I might add) but all are welcome! The real kick in the teeth? These players engage in these qualities by choice. For Free. At their own will. They're not paid, forced by gov't, or have nothing else to do. Remarkable, endearing, and very convincing.

It's ironic that as I make contacts in the USA brass band world, Doug's name came up as a potential resource! Timing is everything, and I am still convinced nothing is coincidental.

Go on, be a daredevil: don't settle for anything less from yourself. You can accomplish amazing things with the right guidance, so give up any self-centered-ness, and allow perfection to shine through you.

Inclusive Worship

Back in June Melissa and I came across a non-denominational church in Florida that seems to have balanced the celebrity church thing. There is much debate about churches that are based on celebrity pastors & worship leaders, etc, and the recent lack of integrity so prominently displayed by a disappointing wealth-mongering couple in Texas.

In any event, in my experience, most traditional denominations have a Director of Music or leader of worship arts who simply ensures worship takes place. The modern trend of CCM (which is rapidly losing support behind the scenes, btw) employed by so many modern churches seems to favor the promotion of one individual who leads worship, prays, gives notices, and so forth. This causes two problems:
1. Generates a celebrity.
2. Causes rife and separation in the donating congregations.
Why alienate half your church?

The Grace Family Church in FL does have a Worship Arts Pastor, Al Hurley. I have no idea who he is because he was not identified, nor could I guess that 'that guy up front' was him either - there was no 'guy up front'. What is apparent is that he is intent on and capable of inspiring inclusive worship. The congregation were singing throughout, there was a small band on stage with a horn section & percussion, and a show choir. The impressive part was all nine 'lead' singers spread across the front of the stage. Not one of them stole my focus.

For each of the four songs we sang at this service, a different lead singer invited the congregation to join them. In this video, it was the lady in pink, but see the chap at the back of the choir raising his hand? He stepped down to lead one of the songs, alongside the other lead singers. There was no celebrity, there was no yawning in the congregation, there was plenty of singing, dancing and hand clapping, and there was a true sense that worship was taking place.

WELL DONE Grace Family Church! This little servant applauds you!

Important classical music

On Facebook this morning a dear college friend asked what we thought were some important pieces of classical music: "A question for all you musicians out there.. In your opinion, what are a couple of the most important or profound classical works? This is either from your perspective, from the composers perspective in relation to their body of work, or from a historic perspective as an influence on the development of classical music."

I was genuinely STUNNED! At first, it was real hard to narrow down, second, not repeating the multitude of answers already posted was tough (actually, couldn't do it), and third, the incredible range and reasons for my answers impressed even I! Not only that, but I ended by stupidly saying "Let me know if you want more"! ???????? Am I really that geeky? (Don't answer). I could go on and on and on and on and on and on with this list, but she only wanted "a couple". Failed at that, too. I love it, though. This was a FUN exercise. Thank you, Sally!

SPB's list:
Milhaud - La Creation De Monde (classical+latin=jazz before Gershwin did it);
Copland - Appalachian Boing;
Shostakovitch - Festive Ov (You can be depressed, repressed and Big Brothered but still write joyful music);
Coates - Calling All Workers (Woah!);
Beethoven - 7:2 (You can be deaf, mad and smell but still write expressive music);
Glass - anything;
Part - Cantus In Mem... Ben... Britten, or Ravel - Bolero (both incredible 'exercises');
Sure about Ives? He was an insurance agent, and an organist to boot.
Risky Korsettes Off - Scheherezade (orchestration);
Kodaly - Hary Janos Suite (love the opening sneeze);
SOUSA! (Ok, there's a reason his songs and operas didn't survive, but you don't HAVE to mention them);
Prokofiev - Peter & the Wolf;
Mozart - Feeeeegaro (ov &/or opera);
Janacek - Katya Kabanova (a bit sad, though).

How would YOU answer that question?

A Teen Poem

I really like this. Sometimes teens have incredible insight that we don't give them credit for. Check out this poem by Anna Fishel of Mountain Lakes High School. It was published in the school's literary magazine 'Phoenix 2009'. I am particularly touched by the line 'Am I really to believe that there exist some six billion heres'? I have no idea what Anna's faith is based on but that's incredible, and for me gives strength to my own belief. Thank you, Anna, for bringing some light to our thoughts:


Here is where I am
Here is where my thoughts are.
Wherever I go, it follows
or perhaps wherever it goes, I follow.

I cannot be sure.

Here seems to be a bit too crowded
for there to be more than one.
Am I really to believe that there
Exist some six billion heres?

For that matter,
Does there exists a here at all?

Who ever said my thoughts had to be in my head?

What I call me
may very well dwell
in there

And the I,
the namer of things,
may or may not exist separately from the me.

It does not matter where I want to be
because I am here
and here I am.

Anna Fishel, Phoenix 2009

The Quotable Stephen P Brown

Melissa: "Did you hear they're coming out with a musical about the Addams Family?"
Stephen: "I'm still waiting for 'Tom & Jerry, the Musical'."

Music on the brain

AHA! There IS more to music than meets the eye. Or brain. Or whatever... This FASCINATING article reveals some of the PHYSICAL effects of music! I particularly like this bit: Scientists cannot identify the brain of an artist, writer, or mathemetician, but they CAN identify the brain of a professional musician! WHAT?!!!! Thank you, Charity, for posting this on facebook!

POPCORN!

I was recently reminded about this FANTASTIC, uplifting, feel-good, smiling piece of music that my parents used to play on a colorful 76rpm LP, entitled "THE MOOG".



Enjoy that? I sent it to about 15 folks at work and before you could blow your nose, it had spread throughout the company like wildfire and was causing a spike in computer memory usage!

Anyway, although the original was impressive I then read this fabulous and very creative history of the piece. Bravo! No less that ELEVEN versions of the same song. My favorites are the Boston Pops version, and the native indian original folk tune... prepare to laugh.

All sorts of music

I love music. One of my frequent quotes that might actually make it to 'epitaph' status is "I love this music". Thing is, I like classical, film, pop, rock, theatre, instrumental, and a whole variety of other 'genres' and 'styles'. Of course, I have my favorites and these little sketches consistently make Melissa and I crack up. Music is as much about performing as it is about the content. Always. Whether it's at a concert, in the theatre, recording studio, church, or in my den. These two diverse musical performances are CLASSIC, and should remain so for ETERNITY!

Morecombe & Wise are two revered British sketch comedians from the 60s, 70s & 80s. More celebrities appeared with them than on the Muppet Show! Enjoy...

TOM JONES! (1min 30sec)


ANDRE PREVIN! (a whopping 10mins 50secs)

JSO rehearsals

Who can complain?

Tonight's rehearsal in NYC was moved upstairs, to the church's top floor. This was our view of the Manhattan Bridge:




And this was our view of mid-town:




By the time we were done, here's what that same view looked like:




Hope to see you at Sunday's concert!
(Prokofiev's "Peter & the Wolf", James Chapel at 121st & Broadway, 06.07.09 at 3:15pm)

What a birthday weekend treat! Melissa and I singing at Carnegie Hall with some friends (and a couple hundred strangers), along with a world famous composer (John Rutter)! It was a terrific day.


This is for my sister. Sorry we didn't eat at 'your' cheescake deli, but we'd already ordered


Melissa in front of the building
(She shines up real nice, right?)


M doesn't like this pic.
I do ;-)


GREAT PIC!


Here we are waiting to enter through the stage door (Not my first time, but here I was fully dressed BEFORE I went in!)


And here we go...


Melissa & Dena in the green room


Twould be nice to have some pics of the stage/ performance, but Carnegie is a union hall and the concert promoter didn't arrange for any photos to be taken (plus, it would cost a fortune!)

John Rutter's Magnificat

There aren't many choral singers who haven't heard of John Rutter, yet most are probably unaware of his impact on the British and American choral scenes. The carols, anthems, arrangements of hymns, etc is immense. And his concert works display an incredible intelligence and a style of expression that remains unmatched. On top of that, he's had tremendous success as a performer and recording artist, particularly with his own group The Cambridge Singers and his own record label, Collegium Records.

Melissa and I were invited (as part of Jacksonville Chapel Choir - thank you, John!) to sing for Rutter at Carnegie Hall this weekend. Didn't take much for us to say yes, primarily because this will be the first time we both will have performed on the main stage (Stein Auditorium). And we'd both heard of Rutter, even though neither of us knew his MAGNIFICAT. Melissa was particularly looking forward to this work as her Catholic schooling made her memorise Mary's Canticle. I hadn't got a clue.

So, we bought the CD, got the vocal score and lo, enjoyed something quite sparky and unexpected. Little were we prepared for the composer's perspective on the piece, and it was honestly refreshing to be a part of something that had to be perfect. There was no room for error, "just sing what I wrote" made Melissa and I gurgle with excitement, and the sheer fantastic voicing, progressions, text, anger, placidness, expressions, dynamics, phrasing, & quality reminded me that great music is still worth delving into in incredible detail... I'd forgotten.

I shook Rutter's hand. He shook his teacher's hand, who shook his teacher's hand, who... so apparently, I'm five handshakes away from shaking BEETHOVEN'S HAND! Oh, and during a rehearsal break, the three of us chatted about Rochester, Charles Dickens, Latin America, and how men's fashion is so predictable!

And I want to compose again. And I want to conduct professionally again. And play the piano, remind myself how to read scores at the piano, etc, etc. It's happening to some extent, and I am LOVING IT! Who know what the future holds.

The arts will survive. Again

I couldn't resist. This topic has hit me several times in the past two decades and yet again, artists in the 'arts' are panicking. And rightly so. This article is totally biased (like most of them) but the very valid reader comments are most enlightening.

So yes, the arts are a victim of the economic crisis. They have been before. And they've survived because artists continue to do their thing DESPITE autocracy! And they'll survive this crisis, too. What I actually like is the fact that many artists will NOT retain their full-time, mediocre, publicly ego stroking efforts to be 'someone'. Like me. I'm now earning my living and doing really fun and exciting art (music) on the side. Boy do I WISH it were full-time, and I constantly pray for some benefactor to dump their excessive musical dollars on my doorstep, but that ain't gonna happen anytime soon. So, I 'earn a living' in corporate and utilize my music in the world.

Everyone should yell and scream and moan and groan and perhaps some lucky artists will actually see some sustenance through the latest ludicrous bailout/stimulus, but don't worry. The arts are going nowhere.

Bliss 9 - an arts festival

This is a head's up - a private insight into a forthcoming event of mine. AND, quite an exciting event, too.

Bliss 9 is an arts festival in Morris County, NJ. For one night only, you'll enjoy experiencing a whole variety of art forms including concerts, a dance show, painters, jewelry makers and sculptors... and my jazz orchestra. Buy your tickets online in advance, and they're $29. On the day, they'll be $36, so I'd rather you buy them online (after Feb 1).

The event itself is on Friday, April 3 beginning at 6pm, with the live performances beginning at 8pm. Where? At the Hanover Marriott hotel on Route 10. Nice.

Oh, and there are a couple of spots left for exhibitors, but you should check out all the details on http://www.blissfestival.com/

It's worth saving up for, and bringing a couple of neighbors to, as well!

SEE YOU THERE

A month of marketing

Unashamed. Unbashful. Love it.

I've always enjoyed 'marketing', particularly branding. Funny, especially seeing that one-to-one 'sales' isn't one of my strong points. So, what's December brought forth that's gotten me so excited? SO excited, that I want to share...

First, on the coldest Saturday December 13 in recorded history, I performed the obligatory posing in front of a camera. Boy, it WAS cold! On top of that, I'd chosen for my scenery a sailing ship! Glutton for punishment, as always. But the choice wasn't random - all is explained on my website. These are just a couple of the 150+ pics. Oh, and Roy Somech of NY Visual is not only a sport, but efficient, creative and produces some really good work!

IN THE SAME MONTH,

That ever-present quandry called 'merchandise' made an appearance. There aren't many concerts, shows, or festivals you go to where there isn't some sort of merchandise of those who perform. It's kinda cool, actually. I've got a poster of Bryan Adams, a t-shirt with some bearded dude on it (possibly Prof. Peter Schickele), and a sweater from Medway Music Centre, amongst a carton full of 'memorabilia'. So when SPB Merchandise was suggested, I laughed. Seriously. I laughed out loud! But I gave the go ahead and before you know it, I have an 'SPB' magnet on my fridge! LOL. Having a minimalist tendancy towards art and decor, the framed print is simply brilliant, as is the clock and the hoodie. Oh my. Can you imagine coming to see me at a concert, and leaving with an SPB mouse pad?! Whatever next?

Here's the plug: the store shows prices in US or Canadian Dollars and British or Australian Pounds, and all profits are donated directly to the Stone Cottage Arts Foundation. It's taking some getting used to, having my own 'merchandise', but the really freaky moment might just come when I'm walking down 5th Ave in New York and see someone wearing an SPB Baseball Cap! Ha ha ha... Enjoy...

Go to the store directly by clicking here, or go to my website http://www.stephenpbrown.com/ to see some more of the new pics and visit the 'STORE'!

Poor, poor, poor taste

http://classicalconvert.com/2008/11/breakfasts-ready/

Americans for the Arts. I'm sure they do better work, too.

Big-time Time-beater Bashing

THIS LINK links to an article by Tommy Pearson that bashes the Berlin(ER) Philharmonic(ER) and Simon Rattles' performances at the British Proms earlier this month. Below is my brief response. I couldn't resist. Read Tommy's article first.

Always wondered what the Big Rattling Deal was about - especially hearing stories from his players over the years. I used to assume it was jealousy on my innocent arrogant part. LOL! But then if you (Rattle) win a major competition at age 19, what else should we expect, I guess? I shouldn't impugn. It's hard work and my hat comes off to everyone who prepares and performs. But Tommy - I have to agree with you. With the salaries these folks get, the experience, the exposure to every great performer ever... is the BP passioned out? Or was emotional conveyance never in their musical vocab? Great warm string sound. At times. As does the Philharmonia, the BBC Phil, the Cleveland Orch, the Philadelphia, the... Even in their own 'GROSS' hall I was never particularly impressed by the BP. It's comforting to know I'm not alone anymore. THANK YOU.