Assignment #2: What I Hear

When I read everything that this assignment entailed I had a feeling of indifference. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go. I didn’t know what a “soundwalk” was either. As I continued reading and focusing on what location I wanted to choose suddenly, everything fell into place.

In my opinion there is no better place in New York City than SoHo.

As I got off of the N train on Prince Street at 3 PM on Friday March 18^th I started walking on Broadway I looked around and listened to everything I could. SoHo is renowned for the fashion stores that they have. As I was walking throughout SoHo I passed several stores and while passing I would hear music inside of them as their doors opened and closed with every customer. This is definitely a foreground sound because if a certain store was playing one of my favorite songs I would definitely consider walking in, due to it attracting my attention. I noticed that some stores had the same music which meant that they were probably playing the same radio station (something I’ve never noticed before).

While I continued to linger attentively I heard so many sounds like bells were ringing. They were actually the collars of dog chains. I never realized how many people walk their dogs in SoHo.

There is one major background sound that I could not escape. I could not escape the sound of closing a car door. New York City is known for taxis but you never really realize how often you hear one unless you pay attention. With every two blocks there were about 3 people who would either open of close a car door. I cannot forget about the incredible honking I hear as well. There was never a moment that a light turned green and cars weren’t honking. A light turned green for literally a millisecond and cars were honking impatiently.

It is really incredible how much you hear when you are attentive and eager to listen.