Sound Walk

In our commutes or just walking alone in the city streets, we often plug our ears with headphones and block out the sounds around us. Removing the headphones for one day was literally an “ear” opening experience.

I was able to notice that sound, along with what we see influences an area and time of day. Going through a day paying such close attention to sound made me realize I would be able to tell where I am based on sounds that I am familiar with.

 The sounds of the early morning street were tired and dull, the clicking of shoes on the sidewalks, the jingling of dog leashes, and the sound of incoming traffic.

The train sounds were different, being able to catch the ghetto rap music blasting into someone else’s plugged ears mixed with the rattling of the train and the announcer’s robotic and predictable announcement of the stops. The usual children screaming, but that goes without saying.

In school catching conversations between those who have made friends at Hunter was common, as was the impatient clicking of someone pretending to text as they sat alone and bewildered. The humming of the (working!) escalators is especially soothing. The sound of people typing, especially slamming on their space bar are to be expected in school, as well as rustling papers . The finger tapping my deadbeat study partner produces on his knee is expected.

At work (American Apparel) the sounds are of walkie talkie voices screeching are irritating (what’s even worse is when the walkie talkies don’t reply to my screeching) Predictably the same speech given at the cash register “Are you familiar with our return policy?” More recently, the blasting of Halloween themed music , and the sound of paper crumpling. During quiet hours, the sound of footsteps and some hanger movement were noted. My least favorite sounds from my store are the beeping of the magnetic sensors, and the frantic ringing of the phone, both are more terrifying than any pretend retail holiday…period. My favorite work sounds are the soft pumping of the steamer downstairs, as well as my friends and coworkers calling my name to tell me the latest gossip. The sound of chocolate being dumped into the caldron at the front of the store could not have possibly made me happier.