Annual Bird Calling Contest - May 13th
“Wax,” a student asked one lazy afternoon in 1963, “can we do something to liven things up around here?”
With this request in mind, Mr. Leonard J. Waxdeck recalled an interesting experience from his factory days and created the show that everyone knows as the Piedmont Bird Calling Contest.
That is the beginning of the legend, as it has been reprinted in contest programs for more than three decades. It goes on to recount the seventeen consecutive appearances on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, followed by appearances on “Late Night with David Letterman” with an invitation to return annually.
2011 Bird Calling Contest Poster
Though the Contest changed irrevocably in the fall of 1994 with the death of its founder, it has been carried on by the many who share in the spirit of innovation and fun of Mr. Waxdeck. In honor of the tradition that he created, we present the 46th Annual Piedmont High School Bird Calling Contest. Our hope is that with the support of the community and students, this venerable tradition will continue for many years to come.
Judging
Many people wonder about the criteria for a winning call. Is it the delicate soloist with the enchanting whistle worthy of first-place? Or is the best act the routine that receives the most enthusiastic response from the audience?
To assist any armchair judges in the audience, the following criteria are used to judge the calls.
Though judges give scores for each of the three criteria, points alone do not determine the winners. There are intangibles that set the winners apart.
Authenticity of Call
The judges will act as experts of the Contest to certify the authenticity of the call.
Poise and Delivery
Both stage presence and smoothness of delivery are considered. The beauty and singularity of the bird call are essential.
Content of Introduction
Contestants must write their own ‘sketches’. It should include pertinent information about their bird. The information should be organized, well-composed, and in good taste. Humor can be a plus or minus, depending on its propriety and taste.
Past Winners
| 2011 | Caitlin Baldridge, Austin Kelley, Theo Quayle |
| 2010 | Andrew Moorhead, Emma Nicholls, Zach Piser |
| 2009 | Anna Kritikos, Claire Rogers, & Rosie Talcott |
| 2008 | Derek DeRoche, Eric Sezgen, & Eric Wheeler |
| 2007 | Drew Joseph & Drew Kessler |
| 2006 | Dana Han-Klein & Claire Menke |
| 2005 | Claire Neumann & Kelsey Webster |
| 2004 | Laci Halliwell, Brandon Paris, & Bunny Rutherford |
| 2003 | Andrew Meyer & Cullen Reddy |
| 2002 | Alex Hirsch |
| 2001 | Jill Pervere & Rachel Winograd |
| 2000 | Eli Liliedahl-Allen & Courtney Labree |
| 1999 | David Lau & Paul Celestre |
| 1998 | John Shumway & Carl Moren |
| 1994 | Sean Alexander Santana |
Piedmont High School is interested in acquiring previous Bird Calling posters, programs, and results for the following years:
Posters |
Programs |
Results |
Pre-1987 |
All Years | Pre-1992 |
| 1988 | ||
| 1989 | ||
| 1996-2005 |
