Avon High School won Saturday’s Bands of America Regional Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium, repeating its feat from last year.

“These kids work so hard for this,” said Susan Groover, 46, Avon, whose daughter, Allyse, is a snare drum player with the band.

Carmel finished second, followed by Lawrence Central, Marian Catholic (Illinois) and Centerville (Ohio).

The competition’s significance goes beyond who wins and loses, said Laura Austin, 46, Carmel, another band parent among the thousands who attended the event.

“The kids benefit so much,” Austin said. “They grow as individuals. It teaches them great life skills, such as time management, getting along in a group and exercising leadership.”

Austin’s daughter, Cassandra, is part of Carmel’s band.

The other five finalists from the 30 bands that competed were Ben Davis, Center Grove, Lake Central, Lake Park (Illinois) and Penn.

The 2009 Bands of America Grand National Championship will take place Saturday at the stadium. However, the regional competition was not a qualifier for that event.

Westside Indianapolis residents Brian and Linda Jones wore bright-purple Ben Davis High shirts to support their daughter Brianna’s school.

Brian Jones, 44, said he has been impressed to see the constant improvement that Ben Davis band members have made this school year.

Ben Davis’ band placed fifth in Class A in the Indiana State School Music Association championships, also held at Lucas Oil Stadium, on Oct. 31. That was five spots better than the Giants earned in 2008.

“Every day, these kids improve,” he said. “That’s what’s exciting.”

Some families traveled many miles to join the fun. Mike and Eva Pavolko drove three hours from the Mishawaka area to watch their son, Ben, and the Penn High School band.

“Our kid got us into it,” said Mike Pavolko, 47. “We came to see them compete and do the best they could do and be rewarded for their hard work.”

Pavolko spoke shortly after the top 10 bands had been announced — the ones that would compete for top honors later in the evening.

Penn was among that elite list.

“We thought we might be heading back home now, but they made the finals, so we’re staying,” Pavolko said. “We don’t even have reservations anywhere, so we might be driving all the way back overnight.”