2nd Sound Journal: Student Union/Cafe August 29, 2017
2nd Sound Journal: Student Union/Cafe
Regarding the second observation, this setting wasn't discovered impromptu, as was the aforementioned seaside blog; but was nevertheless enriching and full of sound.
My normal route to school consists of traversing past dorms, parking lots, and the student center before reaching the center of campus. And while I routinely pass through the Student Union, rarely do I stop to take in the sounds of the place, often filled with bustling students. Seeing the setting fit for an array of aural opportunities, I found I table and chair in which to sit and collect my observations.
The early morning brought on many sounds that grew as louder and more complex as the day ushered in more and more students. Initially though, my observational spot across from the cafe was dotted with only a handful of folks. Most of them were quietly getting an early start to the day reading from books and laptops; as I infrequently heard pages turning with crisp flips or the brief clacking of a keyboard. Though despite the relative stillness of the place, a comparable silence gave light to more subtle sounds. Without the usual din of the building, typical of most afternoons, the early morning offered small bits of localized conversation, very distinguishable and audible. A background radio from the Starbucks carried hushed tunes of Nora Jones and Jack Johnson. As these songs drifted in from my left, the ruffling of plastic signaled a hungry few opening their pre-packaged breakfast snacks. In addition, an undulating hum from the cafe air-conditioner hummed in the background, as did the rising pitch of the steam-wand from the espresso machine. Occasionally a high-pitched beep would signal that toasted bagels were ready.
As more students arrived the corridor echoed with wet, flat-bottom shoes, whose slightly adhesive contact with the smooth concrete floor made the sticky pull of their steps remind those listening that outside it was still wet from the overnight rain. By comparison, those wearing shoes with heels made squeaky clacks that rang out conspicuously.
With the growing flux of students came more of these aforementioned sounds, generating a general chatter of growing cacophony. Singular sounds were still distinct, but required more attentive listening, as the dialogue of the room increased with ensuing conversations, jingling keys from maintenance men strolling by, book-bags sharply zipping and unzipping, toaster beeps, keyboard clacks, among additional tones that echoed from the brick walls and concrete underfoot.
Perhaps most noticeable though were the sounds emanating from me, as my mechanical pencil made soft squeaks atop my notebook, and capriciously loud sniffles reminded me that my cold still lingered.
It's interesting to note how an array of noise tends to blend into indistinguishable background of commotion, and how considerable attentiveness to localized sounds allot a source for each distinct piece of general hubbub. Such minute instances create a larger narrative for the aural space of one's surroundings.
As an afterthought, maybe student union cafes aren't the ideal setting for quiet studying either.