NEXUS Beats has become a much-anticipated staple in the school calendar, shining a spotlight on our talented secondary pop musicians. This electrifying, learner-led event brings vocalists and rock bands to the stage, delivering an exciting mix of music that showcases their passion, creativity, and hard work. With learners from Year 7 to Year 13 involved, the event truly represents the depth of musical talent across our secondary school.

What makes NEXUS Beats truly special is that the performers take full ownership of the event—selecting and rehearsing their songs independently, designing their own band logos, choosing instrumentation, coordinating outfits, and even creating backdrops for the LED screen. This year’s setlist featured an incredible variety of music, from the infectious grooves of Bruno Mars to the iconic rock anthems of Green Day, and even powerful musical theatre hits from Hamilton. From classic anthems to modern hits, the performances never fail to captivate the audience and celebrate the vibrant musical spirit of our school.

Following their standout performances, some of our talented acts will now be selected to perform at a very special Nexus gig at Blackbird Restaurant and Bar in Gillman Barracks on Saturday, 1 March, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. This exciting opportunity allows our musicians to take their passion beyond the school stage, representing Nexus in the wider community and sharing their music with a broader audience. It’s a fantastic way for our learners to gain real-world performance experience while showcasing the incredible talent within our school.

We are also incredibly excited to announce that Songwork International sponsored this year’s NEXUS Beats, adding an extra layer of industry recognition to the event. We were honored to welcome Roo, an acclaimed music producer who has worked with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Arctic Monkeys, and top K-Pop stars. Roo attended the gig, scouting for standout talent to invite to the world-famous Lion Studios right here in Singapore. This is an incredible opportunity for our learners to gain firsthand experience in a professional recording environment and take their musical journey to the next level!

A huge thank you to our amazing musicians for demonstrating The Nexus Way—taking risks, communicating, collaborating, and showcasing their creativity in every aspect of the event. Your dedication and enthusiasm continue to inspire us all!

A special thanks also to Mr. Amin, Mr. Shen, Mr. Kevin, and Mr. Alex for their unwavering support in guiding and encouraging our learners through popular music. Your mentorship and passion play a vital role in nurturing the musical talent within our school.

Finally, a big shout-out to our Year 11 and Year 12 learners who volunteered as MCs for the event! Your energy, confidence, and ability to keep the audience engaged added an extra layer of excitement to the show, making the evening even more memorable.

On Wednesday, LITA (London International Theatrical Arts) held a dynamic workshop for all learners involved in NEXUS Beats, focusing on stage presence and performance techniques. Led by James Bennett and Noel Sullivan, the workshop provided invaluable insights into engaging an audience, building confidence, and owning the stage with energy and authenticity.

Noel Sullivan won the UK TV show Popstars and became a member of the popular band Hear’Say, achieving multiple top 10 hits and performing in many sold-out arena tours. He has since established himself as one of the West End’s leading men, starring in shows like We Will Rock You, Grease, Fame, and many more.

James Bennett is a top choreographer for TV and theatre in London. He is the assistant choreographer for Britain’s Got Talent and works on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Greatest Dancer, and Dancing On Ice. James has also starred in numerous West End productions, including Hairspray, We Will Rock You, and Dirty Dancing. Additionally, he was one of the main dancers in the Elton John biopic, Rocketman.

The learners participated in hands-on exercises to enhance their stage presence, from body language to vocal projection, and learned how to connect with the crowd. This session was an excellent opportunity for our musicians to fine-tune their performance skills in preparation for NEXUS Beats, ensuring they are ready to shine on stage and deliver an unforgettable show!