Pep Band started the 2008 school year off in the band room, and the historic band performed for St. Louis Church’s 50th anniversary concert with Br. Joel.  Soon the celebrations became somber when the band was asked to perform for the funeral of Br. John Johnston in October.  Br. Johnston was a clarinet player, section leader, and band president in the Christian Brothers Band. He went on to become the Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The Commemoration and Funeral took place at Immaculate Conception with Bishop Steib and Br. Alvaro, the current Superior General, in Attendance. The band performed a new piece by Patrick Bolton called A Call to Serve in honor of the band’s esteemed alumnus. Other works included Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland, An Evening Stroll by Morrisey, and Bless this House.  Later in the year the band performed for Br. Bernard Zacheis Funeral.  Br. Bernard served at one point as the band moderator.

The Historic Band continued to have an active season with performances at the Veterans Day Parade and the Massing of the Colors.  They concluded their year by participating in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.  The band took the train up to Chicago, and took in many sights of the city.

The Concert Band performed their annual Fall Concert and continued a year of excellence with performances at the WTSBOA Concert Festival and the TMEA Concert Festival at Middle Tennessee State University. Selections included Festive Centennial, Morning Noon and Night in Vienna, and Freedom Plus! At Solo and Ensemble Festival, the band collectively made 55 superior medals and 10 excellent medals. Concert Festival resulted in an excellent overall rating with a superior rating in Sight Reading.

The band finished out the year with their Spring Concert, A tribute to Ralph Hale, where they debuted a new work entitled The Green Phoenix by James Richens. Colin Elmer, band president, performed the solo in Ralph Hale’s Reflections. After the concert the 2008 Alumni Band was featured. 55 former band members returned to perform works like 650 East, 5900 Walnut Grove, and Festal Celebration in celebration of the 135th anniversary of the band. Conductors included Bill McKee, Dan Goodwin, Jason Seek, Patrick Bolton, and Craft Beck who was put into the band hall of fame.  Patrick Bolton performed the solo in Variations Sur Un Air Du Pays Dóc by Cahuzac and Walter Hoehn played the Creston Sonata during intermission. It was wonderful time getting the band back together!

The year ended with tragedy with the unexpected death of Br. Vincent Malham, president of Christian Brothers University in Memphis. The Band performed at his funeral at Immaculate Conception before concluding the year at Graduation.