Local High School Band to play for Holy Father's Arrival in Philadelphia

Imagine coming to a high school band meeting, thinking you were getting information about performing on your school's soon to be completed new football field.

But instead-- you're told that you’re going to be playing for the Pope.

Bishop Shanahan High School's three year old marching band, with about a hundred members, will not only play in front of Pope Francis.  They're the first thing he'll see and hear when he steps off the plane in Philadelphia.

“I'm so excited. I'm really excited,” said band member Kaiti Hershey. “I'm surprised; I thought this was going to be for the football field.”

The band has won awards for its performance. But they were actually chosen because of logistics, the school's location, and ability to get the band to the airport when so much of the city is shut down.

For the bands director, Chuck Keating, it's beyond his wildest dreams.

“This was awesome,” Keating said. “When sisters told us we had that opportunity, I was nervous and the worst part was. I had to keep it a secret for a couple of weeks.”