Of all the years that I’ve frequented this subway station, I had no idea nor did I even notice the chimes in the 34th street N, Q, R platform until very recently.  I SO wish that I could recall what publication that “learned me” about these interactive chimes or flutes as they deserve a tremendous amount of kudos.

What I’m referring to is a short installation of motion detection sensors along the platform above the tracks that apparently have been there since 1995.  When you wave your hand in  front of any 8 of the laser sensors, a bell or chime sounds off with a certain pitch.  For those of us that take this subway often can really learn the order and eventually create a song or tune as we do with piano or a flute.

The sounds are quite soft and soothing. The next time you’re waiting for the train, look up, you never know what you’ll find to keep yourself occupied and maybe even bring a smile to your face among the grueling rush hour.