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St. Christopher's Band Hits The Big Screen In 'Birdman'

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. -- The Marching Cobras of New York, a band comprised of at-risk adolescents that features a major contingent from St. Christopher’s, provided the backdrop for the final scene of the acclaimed "Birdman," which received numerous Golden Globe nominations.

"Birdman or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance" is a black comedy about an actor (Michael Keaton) -- famous for portraying an iconic superhero -- as he struggles to mount a Broadway play.

Photo Credit: foxsearchlight

"Birdman" is a comedic drama about a washed-up actor, played by Michael Keaton, trying to make a comeback. The film received Golden Globe nominations for Best Comedy, Best Screenplay and Best Director, Alejandro G. Inarritu. Keaton received a Best Dramatic Actor nomination, and actors Emma Stone and Edward Norton were recognized for their supporting work.

The Marching Cobras are shown participating in the pre-Super Bowl parade last February. Members of the film crew saw the band performing and took the opportunity to capture them in action at Times Square. “It started when location scouts came to scout all three campuses one day and happened to catch our Marching Cobras practicing,” said St. Christopher’s CEO Dr. Robert Maher. “They were impressed by the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of the members and contacted me to see if it would be possible to include the band in a film they were working on called 'Birdman.' We thought it was a unique opportunity to highlight the band members, and readily agreed.” “The pre-Super Bowl parade, which was a major honor for us to be invited to participate in, provided the perfect setting because the film is centered on Manhattan’s Theater District, so it all came together beautifully,” Maher said. “It was great to be part of the film but we certainly never imagined that our kids would be not just marching in a movie, but in what could well be the top film of the year.”

The band can be seen in the 'Birdman' trailer at the 2:11 mark. 

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