Purchase Tickets for Bird Calling Contest NOW
May 24, 2016
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Piedmont High School
Annual Bird Calling Contest
Please email patty@piedmontedfoundation.org or call 510-653-1816 if you would like to be added to the WAIT LIST.
You can purchase tickets at: http://tinyurl.com/PHSBirdcallers
History
“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 today as the Piedmont High School Bird Calling Contest.
That was the beginning of the legend, as it has been reprinted in contest programs for more than five decades. It goes on to recount the multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, followed by multiple appearances on “Late Night with David Letterman” as well.
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 continue to present the Annual Piedmont High School Bird Calling Contest year after year. 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. 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 birdcall 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 appropriateness.
Past Winners
2015 Tyler Ellis, Maret Sotkiewicz 2014 Sami Barney, Katie Cummins, Jasmine Nadim 2013 Gabe Bolio, James Clifford, Eli Nash 2012 Tialli Moya-Smith, Sheli Shacker, and Cameron Anderson 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 Updated: May 3, 2016
