Soundwalk

During my soundwalk, I walked towards Central Park from Hunter College. Generally, the sound got quieter and quieter as I made it further to Central Park. I first examined the soundmarks of Hunter College: laughter between friends, elevator lights blinking, and pacing of footsteps. As I stepped outside of Hunter, the sound became more wide, airy, and open. Now the sound of students making conversation was mixed with keynotes like cars honking, engines revving, and even the sounds of construction. The most significant sound signal I noticed during my walk was actually due to my choice of shoe, as I decided to wear my black leather boots that click and clack as I step on the New York City concrete. I first walked by a group of young girls laughing, creating a distinct sound representing youthful and childlike behavior. I later noticed two dogs across the street, one of them was barking at the other, creating an echo down the streets near Madison Avenue. It got a bit louder once I reached Central Park, hearing in the distance the sounds of hollow horse hooves hitting the ground on their slow walks across the park. New York City’s range of sound is brilliantly diverse. It’s texture is gritty, raw and fun. It’s completely unexpected, just as living or being in New York City is. I found this walk to be very therapeutic in a way, only focusing on listening and tuning out or muting my other senses. Whatever the neighborhood may be, it’s true that the Upper East Side and all of New York City has a unique sound texture, and makes for a great soundwalk.