It’s been 50 years since 1976, a year of music that celebrated huge records from Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Queen, ABBA, The Ramones, Heart, Tom Petty, and so many more. Each year for their annual benefit concert, Sound Effects, AMS selects a musical focus. For 2026, students and teachers alike have spent months studying and rehearsing some of the greatest hits of 1976. They've created a huge band – the Asheville Rockestra, made up of dozens of students, and a few teachers, to celebrate (and perform live) the 50th anniversary of that classic year. PLUS, a band of AMS teachers will perform Stevie Wonder's *Songs In The Key Of Life. *

Since its inception as a nonprofit, AMS has awarded more than $100,000 in need-based scholarships to those unable to afford private music lessons. All proceeds from this event will be used to help AMS continue and expand its free performances and group music classes for underserved communities, veterans, seniors, the homeless, people in recovery and those living with disabilities through its Sound Education outreach program.