Today, the Akron Symphony is launching a year-long Sounds of Akron project, where it will be gathering recordings from the public to create a new symphony for the city. Here, composer Clint Needham writes about the project.

I am so excited to be launching this incredible project, Sounds of Akron. With your help, I’ll be creating a musical portrait of Akron using sounds that you submit and I convert into music. This is one of the first crowd-sourced symphonies in the U.S. We are so fortunate that it’s happening right here in Akron!

Here’s how it works. Simply download the iOS app or Android app onto your phone, tablet or desktop. Then, use the app to record and submit your sounds. Any and all sounds are welcome. I plan to listen to each one, so keep me busy! The app is fun and easy to use, and best of all, it’s free.

You have until Oct. 15 to submit your sounds, and you can send as many as you’d like. The hum of the Goodyear blimp, the crack of a baseball bat at Canal Park, the “order up” bell at Fred’s Diner, July 4th fireworks at Lock 3, or a hungry crowd at Luigi’s. Whatever sounds like Akron to you. Or, make your own sound and let your creativity shine! 

Sounds of Akron is a year-long project. I’ll use your submissions to tell a musical story about Akron. Then, the Akron Symphony Orchestra will perform our symphony in April 2016. This entire project came about thanks to the generous support of Knight Foundation, so I would like to express my sincere thank you to everyone there for making this happen.

This project will only have meaning if we all work together. Let’s make Akron an example of what can happen when a city comes together to embrace innovation and technology. I hope I can count on your support!

For more, visit SoundsofAkron.com.