Soundwalk

As I got off of work leaving my doctor's office on 90th street, I was walking towards 86th street train station, with my feet hitting the pavement on my way to school. So what do I hear? Just the average noise of cars honking at other cars to Go, the sounds of dogs barking, people and kids talking amongst each other, and construction sounds. This is New York City on a regular day. It's quite beautiful sometimes when you can "hear" rather than "see" how New York is. I never realized that there can be beauty in everything including sound. Usually on a busy street I'm pretty sure there would've been even more noise, but here I was on Park Avenue listening to somewhat of a quieter area of New York City. Who would've know that you can sometimes reflect and be at peace just listening to the natural street sounds of the Big Apple.

OCD Event Extra Credit Blog

            On October 17^th, the Film and Media Department at Hunter College held a screening and panel event, “How A Film Helped Heal, Build Community, and Challenge Stereotypes.”  The event was an in-depth analysis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and featured two films, “UNSTUCK: an OCD movie” and “Involuntary Repetition as Everyday Life.”  The event was a remarkable experience because of its informative and conversational approach to address the reality of OCD and challenge the stereotypes. 

There was a plethora of information to learn from this event.  I learned that OCD is not about being tidy or a perfectionist; as it is often portrayed in society.  It is about having an obsessive fear about something happening.  To prevent that thing from happening, individuals perform compulsive actions.  In addition, many people misunderstand it because they are unaware of its how it affects people.  For example, some parents may be annoyed by their child for acting a certain way without realizing that their child is struggling with OCD.  Moreover, there are some ways of treating the condition.  The main treatment that was discussed is exposure therapy in which individuals are gradually exposed to their fears and asked not to respond how they normally would.  This allows them to be more comfortable with their fear so that it will not significantly affect their thoughts and behavior.

There were some techniques that we discussed in class and lab that were also used in both films to portray the reality of OCD for those who are affected.  In “UNSTUCK: an OCD movie”, both Kelly Anderson and Chris Baier utilized interviewing techniques.  Firstly, both explained that they did pre-interviews to narrow down the search and to choose those who would be the best for telling the story.  Also, based on the responses from those in the video, one could note that they asked in-depth questions that would elicit comprehensive responses.  Additionally, in class, we generally know that everyone has their own mindset when creating their work.  For example, Anderson mentioned that they intentionally chose not to show children in distress or going through treatment because they wanted the mood to be uplifting rather than daunting.  In the other film, “Involuntary Repetition as Everyday Life”, Jay Chieh-Chun Lee used visual and sound techniques.  There were many extreme close-up shots that made the viewer feel uncomfortably focused on something; as people with OCD can feel.  For sound, there was no music but rather someone repeating their words.  This illustrated the repetitive thoughts and behavior of those living with OCD.  There was even a hasty pan from the door (leaving the house to be early for school) back to the kitchen (where the person’s focus was) to demonstrate how the fixations that people with OCD have can take over and affect their daily lives.

Another great aspect of the event was the question and answer session because many people raised though-provoking ideas.  Panelist Epifania Gallina, who has OCD herself, said that it should not be regarded as freakish but as “someone going through something” and that movies are helpful in telling stories.  This is true because the movie demonstrated that no one wants to be looked down upon and that just like everyone else, people with OCD have their own challenges as well.  Another idea that was emphasized during the event is that people who are experiencing it do not have to dismay because it is not the end of the world.  Lisa Coyne, who was a panelist and is a clinical consultant for child as well as adolescent OCD, mentioned that “it teaches you about hidden strengths that you just don’t know you have.”  People who are struggling can overcome their compulsions; this was not just inspiration for those with OCD but for everyone.  Learning from challenges and believing in one’s ability to overcome is a teaching that can be applied to all aspects of life.

Overall, this film screening and panel was a noteworthy event because the topic of OCD was addressed, and stereotypes were debunked through effective sharing of information as well as conversation.

Sound Walk

For my sound walk I decided to focus on the sounds on my walk home from the train station. There were a plethora of different sounds I noticed during my walk. For example, mainly hearing cars as they were passing by. Sounds of traffic were very common,  as was a combination of car horns, emergency sirens, and signals. Also, I could hear people having conversations as the were walking near me. Furthermore, I passed by a school and could hear children playing in the park. I noticed that this part of the neighborhood was louder than other parts.  I could hear the sounds of basketballs and during the day and students that were playing nearby. As I continued towards the train station I could hear the train going by me and it was probably the loudest thing i heard on this walk. In conclusion, doing a sound walk was an interesting experience, because it allowed me to focus on the activity around me.

Soundwalk

As I was walking to the train station, I heard car horns, and the screeching of tires. I also heard people having a conversation while passing by me, and another person running pass me. When I entered the train station, I heard the escalator as I was going down. I also heard the train manager speaking to other people as I headed to the machine. The machine made a sound to put my metro card in and put in money. When I asked for the receipt it made a noise so I could take it. When I swiped my metro card it made a noise confirming that the swipe went through. As I got on the train, I heard the doors close as the announcer told me the next stop and what trains I can transfer too. As I sat down, I heard a conversation in front of me and to the far right. As the train started to move, I could hear it screeching while leaving the station. I heard people on the train with plastic bags. While I was nearing home, a homeless man asked for change as he shuffled around. When I got off the train, I heard the bus stop and open its doors. I enter a car and opened the door and closed the door. I heard the radio as I sat down. I then talked my father asked me about how I was doing at college. Then I finally heard my door open and I was home.   

Blog 2: Soundwalk

For my sound walk, I did not want to go somewhere I explored in the past nor was familiar with. Therefore, I could not use my neighborhood, Times Square, and the areas surrounding Hunter. One area that I am still new to is the Meatpacking District in Lower Manhattan. I used this area because I work at the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is in the neighborhood and I have always wanted to explore the surrounding area. Most importantly, I used this area because early on I recognized that it was different from anything I have encountered before. So, I knew I would have something to write about.

Firstly, I walked across part of The High Line that is in the neighborhood. The High Line is an outdoor garden and public space bridge on the streets of Manhattan’s West Side. I expected The High Line to be tranquil, but it sounded busy. This was because the High Line is its own type of park in the sky; not a generic park. It is a bridge so I heard cars and other road sounds below. Also, since I was high in the air, I heard rushing wind all around me as well as helicopters or planes in the distance. Coming off The High Line, I walked around a few blocks in the neighborhood. I noticed that the Meatpacking District is a tourist-heavy spot or popular spot for leisure time. I could tell because I heard many people snapping pictures as well as kids complaining or laughing, and parents reprimanding. There were sound signals of street vendors playing music to get the attention of others. The district is also regularly filled with an ethnically diverse population since I heard many different accents and languages as I walked.

Lastly, I listened to my environment as I waited for the E train. I heard the endless conversations of people who were also waiting for the train. I heard the strokes of a guitar and the beats of a drum; both of a subway band. Later on when I was on the train, I listened to two young men sharing their thoughts on dating. One of them, who had an accent said, “Love doesn’t come like this[quickly], it takes time to grow.”

Soundwalk

Today I walked home from the train station because my bus was thirty minutes away and the walk is about twenty minutes. I decided to take that opportunity to listen for my soundwalk exercise. As I was leaving the train station I heard people chatting and wondering when the next bus would come. There is a new Chinese buffet restaurant that just opened up by the train, and by the sound of it, it has been a success. I heard faint music and people speaking and laughing loudly. I continued to walk until I passed the high school that is by the train. During the day this area is extremely loud because of the students and also because of the high levels of police presence. Tonight it was quiet and I could hear the crickets in the trees outlining the large empty football field. As I continued to walk I heard cars passing by but no conversation as this area was a little more remote. Eventually I passed a cemetery and enjoyed the quiet for a while before continuing along my route. At this point I am hearing cars pass by on the highway nearby and my footsteps against the concrete sidewalk.

I began to get closer to my neighborhood and the sounds of people talking came back, some on their phones outside. I also heard planes flying overhead because I don't live too far from Laguardia Airport. I also heard sounds from halloween displays on the houses, eerie music and dark voices from the props. I am usually upset when I have to walk home instead of waiting for the bus, but I always appreciate the serenity of the walk because it is quiet and I get to indulge in the natural sounds of the world around me.

Soundwalk

For the sound walk, I was sitting at a local coffee shop in the evening. It was large and empty as not many people were there. There was soft classical music playing in the background combined with the light whispering of people and the soft typing of their laptop keyboards. The gentle yet sharp tapping on the keyboard was distinct from the light music, but they did not class with each other--it was almost harmonious, in a way. There was also the soft rustling of paper and the clicking of pens. The quietness was nice and peaceful, especially after a busy day in school in the city, where it is always so loud and robust. All the coffee shops in Manhattan are filled with the loud chattering of people and thundering music,  making it hard to even hear your own voice. In the city as the darker it gets, the louder it becomes, but in Queens, the darker it gets, the quieter it becomes. Just sitting there idly, the grinding of the coffee beans, the pulling of the espresso, and the steaming of the milk would pierce through the tranquillity of the night. They were the most distinct sounds I noticed while at the coffee shop. There were light taps with each step as people were coming in and out of the shop which contrasted with the workers' rowdier steps as they were busy working. As time passed, I started to unconsciously block out all those sounds as I became more focused on my work, turning into white noise.

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Soundwalk

I decided to get off the train on Union Square instead of Astor Place,
both to lengthen the time of my soundwalk and ensure more diversity in those sounds.
Traffic is a staple to New York City.
The background noise of cabs, busses, and cars honking at, with, and against each other
is like some kind of mechanical language. I can hear the music playing from street vendors
speakers, an amalgamation of American rap and Puerto Rican guaracha music slowly
entering the foreground as I past their stands.
Overlaid are attempts to peddle sunglasses or umbrellas to the non-English speaking tourists,
who always fall for it. Going further downtown these sounds of street vendors and traffic
fade into something more residential. Street vendors become dog walkers,
calling out to “Fiona!” or “Daisy!” or whatever pesky little creature is tugging on the end
of their leash, barking at some other pet across the street. Traffic becomes bar goers,
shouting names and street corners into the world or into their phones “Joey! Go to Houston!”
Faintly from the other ends of their phone you can hear the response usually followed by
some slur. Bags rustle from people taking their groceries, home, AirPods or ear phones
faintly playing whatever over-amplified pop music they chose for their errands.
Further downtown towards the projects there’s a surprising quietness.
The sounds of UberEats bikes shifting gears or turning corners.
Whispers asking “Where the weed at?” as you pass, or on the contrary,
letting you know where the weed’s at. (They have it). Then as I approach my front door,
the familiar greetings of neighbors and their pets. Leashes rattling and “good to see you’s”. 

Sound Walk

There is a rich community of sounds offered in New York City. Especially in the area around Hunter, Park and Lexington Avenue, there is constant sounds of construction on buildings in the area. Thankfully where I live is much quieter and more peaceful-- Alphabet City, in the East Village. I choose to do my sound walk in Tompkins Square Park. While sitting on a bench at dusk I noticed it was much quieter than a lot of other parks I had been to, especially during certain seasons of when festivals had been going on. There is little chatter except for when two people having a conversation walk by. There aren't a lot of children in this area either. There is, however, a lot of dogs, who I hear running around the enclosed dog park, barking and drinking water. There is the rustle of grass from some people sitting nearby. The sound of cars and busses driving by. The wind rustles some dead leaves on the ground, and an airplane can be heard flying overhead. On the bench across from me, two friends chat and eat sandwiches. Someone stops to pet a small American Bulldog who pants loudly, then goes to drink some water. The sound of sirens is distant, possibly from an ambulance or police car. It grows louder as the vehicle approaches. It becomes loud and irritation for a few seconds, then moves on. A woman walks by talking loudly on the phone.

Sound Walk

The sound of traffic is the soundmark of the city. The swelling sound of tires on the road coming closer and speeding away, the beeping of trucks as they back out of a parking spot, and the honking of cars are a few of the sounds that make up the city’s noise. I walked through lower Manhattan, in a neighborhood with a mix of shops and residential areas. The sound of traffic was always present, but sound signals cut through the noise. The chatter between children and adults was fitting with the time of day since students were being dismissed from school. Some children were already at the park, where the sound of basketballs hitting the floor and swings creaking were keynotes that blended together. These sounds were unique to the neighborhood as they reflect the gathering of the community since there were many local parks in the area and outdoor spaces where people could get together. 

The dynamic range of sounds caught my attention. At times the sound of traffic was distant, and other times it became loud as I reached the crosswalks. When I was in between streets, I could hear the neighborhood’s softer sounds, like the birds chirping in the trees overhead, and the rustling of a woman’s plastic grocery bags. I passed a restaurant with outdoor seating at the intersection of two quiet streets. I could hear the clanking of glass cups and utensils, and the soft music coming from inside. These softer sounds were meaningful for me since they often get lost in the loud sound of traffic.

soundwalk

link to blogpost

Sound Walk

    I decided that I would be up and early for my soundwalk. I had errands to run and also wanted some fresh air to get my day going. I walked from my house all the way to the closest park. It’s about an 8-minute walk from my house to the bus stop and from there I walked to the park. The walk started off fairly quiet and you can mainly just hear the rustling of leaves and the wind. The highway is close by, so you occasionally hear the honks of the irritated drivers who are most likely trying to get to work. 

    I got to the bus stop and it’s in a very commercial area and also extremely close to a high school so it can get VERY loud. I feel like I’m much more hyper aware of sound early in the morning (part of it probably being that I’m irritable at that hour) so footsteps sound so much louder. I heard students screaming down the block and across the street about being late to class and how they’re going to get Dunkin Donuts before going in. I heard loud laughs also coming from students. Honking becomes much more prominent in this area since parents drive past to get their kids to school and the several different buses that try to get by. 

    I headed towards the park and the walk became quiet again, at least compared to the loud screaming and honking that was present minutes before. The park was extremely peaceful. The air and noise felt so much lighter. Again, the rustling of leaves and quiet footsteps were noticeable from the elders who do Tai-Chi in the park. You could also hear the harder and faster footsteps from people who are getting in their early morning run. 

    I’d say all of the sounds I heard were pretty expected considering my neighborhood and the hour. I think the most meaningful sounds to me are probably the rustling leaves just because Autumn is my favorite season and I think it’s such a satisfying and peaceful sound. 

Blog #2: Soundwalk

I sat on a park bench in Queens along a busy road. In the background are cars driving down the street and slow footsteps. Construction has been going on for weeks, in the foreground are the workers shouting things to one another and the rumbling of the loud machinery they are using. Occasional car keys can be heard jingling, as well as cars locking and doors slamming since parking is available on this street. I'm sitting in front of a parking meter, quarters can be heard dropping into the machine. It’s a windy day, the leaves are rustling against the concrete and the trees are blowing making a whispering sound almost. The train station is a block away so I can hear it pulling into the station under me. Some cars make a screeching noise when braking at the red light. I can hear the engine from cars idling. There is a hospital a few block down, so ambulances are passing by with the sirens on. Although this description is standard for common NYC streets, it is very unique to this neighborhood as it’s a perfect balance of commercial and residential. The foot steps are sparse yet the traffic is not. The construction sounds are the constant while the sounds of elders walking by with canes become more apparent since it’s less frequent. There is traffic but honking isn’t common because it is a relatively quite neighborhood for NYC. After half an hour someone finally sat near me on the bench, and her phone conversation was vaguely audible. The sounds are also unique to the time of day since it was early afternoon in the middle of the week.

Soundwalk

                                          Blog Assignment 2: "What I Hear"

   Fall is coming to New York City, so I decided to go to central park to find some fall colors while I was doing a soundwalk. It was a windy day at 5 pm. I started on fifth Avenue, where is full of traffic noise. There were not many people walking at the park, but there were a few photographers photographing people and the landscape, which made me hear the sound of releasing the shutter, from their cameras and their phones. As I walked inside the park, I heard less traffic noise and more natural sound- wind, water, and birds. I heard the sound from the wind by hearing the swaying trees. I heard the sound from water when I was walking around the Wood Chip Vantage Point, where there was some running water next to the walkway. I heard the sound from the birds most of the time. Sometimes, there will have sound from the ambulance but with a much lower frequency than what I normally hearing on the street. 

   When I was walking next to the bow bridge, I heard someone was playing the violin. It was unexpected but I think having people playing instruments in a public place is the culture of the city. I could feel people are enjoying the music, and I heard people laughing, talking and taking pictures on the bridge. It was the highlight of my day because the sound of the violin creates a romantic atmosphere in the park, especially the player was playing next to the bow bridge, where people usually go there and take wedding pictures. As I walked closer to the streets, the traffic noise started hitting me again. 

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