When Halftime is Showtime

They're cheerleaders for the football team with a performance all their own.

The Downers Grove North and South marching bands each bring together hundreds of musicians. Each band works on one halftime show that the bands work to perfect throughout the season.

North's show this year is called The Hero's Journey, combining music from The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar and Gladiator. South's show is Beyond the Storm, featuring the music of composer Andrew Boysen, Jr. The show takes the audience from the intensity of a storm through the peace that follows it.

Patch features two videos, one for North's band and one for South, for your viewing pleasure.

Take a look at what both marching bands have in store for you this year. While these videos only caught what the bands were up to during practice, check back for more footage of the two bands later in the season.

DGN Trojan Marching Band specs

• Members: 180
• Voluntary/mandatory: Mandatory, except for fall athletes
• Competitive/non-competitive: Non-competitive
• Big upcoming performances: New Year's Day Parade in London

DGS Mustang Marching Band specs

• Number of members: 116
• Voluntary/mandatory: Voluntary
• Competitive/non-competitive: Competitive
• Big upcoming performancers: Two state championships at the University of Illinois and Illinois State University

UPDATED: This weekend the North High marching band performed at Northwestern University as part of High School Marching Band Day. The South High marching band placed eighth at the finals of the Lake Park High School marching band competition. The band also was also first in class AA with best music performance, best general effect and best color guard caption awards in class AA, as well.