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Nexus Teacher Launches Singapore's First International School Band Showcase
What happens when talented young musicians from international schools across Singapore come together on one stage?
For Nexus Music Teacher, Kevin Bennett, the answer was clear: an afternoon of performances, collaboration and celebration.
This year, Kevin brought a long-held vision to life by organising Singapore’s first International School Battle of the Bands, a non-competitive showcase that united musicians from Nexus International School Singapore, Dulwich College Singapore, Dover Court International School and Tanglin Trust School at Hard Rock Cafe Orchard.
The event marked a milestone for Singapore’s international school music community and provided learners with an authentic live performance experience in a professional venue, while creating new opportunities for young musicians to connect, collaborate and perform beyond their own school communities.
More importantly, it gave young musicians the chance to share their passion, support one another and celebrate a year’s worth of hard work.
Bringing a Regional Concept to Singapore
For several years, Nexus learners have participated in live music events beyond the school campus, including the FOBISIA Battle of the Bands competition, which brings together schools from across Asia.
Kevin saw an opportunity to create something similar closer to home, bringing together international schools across Singapore through a shared love of music.
What emerged was the first International School Battle of the Bands event of its kind in Singapore. The event was created not as a competition, but as a celebration of young musicians and the work they had put in throughout the year.
A Stage for Young Musicians
Held at Hard Rock Cafe Orchard, the event featured two and a half hours of live music from approximately 50 musicians representing four international schools.
To represent Nexus at the event, bands were asked to submit a video audition.
The Red Hot Bell Peppers, Nexus’ Primary Rock Band
Learners ranging from Year 5 to Year 12 took to the stage, demonstrating the breadth of musical talent across the school. For many of them, it was an exciting opportunity to perform on a professional stage in front of a packed audience.
“It was all about celebrating our musicians,” Kevin said. “Many of the musicians had completed their IGCSE Music exams the night before, so this was a fantastic opportunity for them to come together and celebrate everything they have all achieved over the year.”
For many learners, the experience extended far beyond the music itself.
Performing at a professional venue gave them valuable insight into the realities of live events, from managing equipment and meeting production schedules to participating in sound checks and working alongside venue staff.
“The learners experienced performing for a crowd that wasn’t just Nexus families,” Kevin said. “They learned how professional events operate, where they needed to be, how to manage their equipment and how to work as part of a larger production.”
Showcasing Excellence Through Music
The quality of musicianship on display reflected years of dedication from learners and teachers alike, as well as the strength of Nexus’ music programme, which provides learners with regular opportunities to perform, collaborate and develop their craft.
Kevin highlighted Nexus band Lotus, who opened the event and immediately set a high standard for the evening.
“The Nexus learners did so well,” he said. “Many of these learners have been performing in ensembles for years. It has been incredible to watch their confidence grow, see them develop on different instruments and become stronger performers.”
That growth is something families have noticed too.
According to Kevin, parents regularly share how participation in music at Nexus has helped their children develop confidence and a love for the arts.
“We’ve had parents emailing us after the event to say thank you because they can see how much their child has grown in confidence over the past year.”
A Whole-School Effort
Behind the scenes, the success of the event reflected the strength of the wider Nexus team.
When tickets sold out within just three days, Kevin worked with the Hard Rock Cafe team to create additional space, allowing even more families and supporters to attend the showcase.
With 12 bands performing across the evening, smooth transitions between performances were essential to keeping the showcase running seamlessly. The Nexus team, led by our Music & AV Tech Lead, Amin, managed the technical operations throughout the event.
“It was a huge benefit to have the support of our AV team,” Kevin said. “I really appreciate all of Amin’s help. He brings so much experience and quality to every event.”
Beyond the performances themselves, Kevin was struck by the sense of community throughout the evening. Several teachers from other schools commented on how supportive the Nexus learners were, enthusiastically cheering on every band that took to the stage.
“It was wonderful to see how supportive everyone was,” Kevin said. “Seeing proud parents from multiple schools stay for the entire event and celebrate all of the learners was really special.”
Looking Ahead
The enthusiasm surrounding the event has already sparked conversations about its future.
Teachers from participating schools have been asking how the showcase can return next year and how it might grow even further.
Kevin hopes to welcome even more schools in the future, creating an even larger platform for young musicians across Singapore.
“The response has been incredible,” he said. “It’s clear this is something people have wanted for a long time. The support we saw shows that this is something we definitely need to continue.”
