LOS ANGELES, CA – On April 27, 2025, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) held the 2nd Annual Bake Off 4 Beats fundraiser supporting music programs in under-resourced LA County schools. Hosted by Emmy-Winning Composer Leo Birenberg, (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Cobra Kai), the intimate event gathered over 100 local community members who enjoyed delicious baked goods and heartfelt musical performances while raising dough and awareness for ETM-LA’s mission.
Guests savored homemade desserts, breads, and other goodies created by Artist Bakers: Andres Locsey (Cobra Kai; Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Becca Shrand (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman), Fernand Bos (Frozen; Hawkeye), Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5), Leo Birenberg (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Cobra Kai), Micaela Carballo (Norbert), Michael Paraskevas (Agatha All Along; Hawkeye), Sherri Chung (Based on a true story; Gremlins: The Wild Batch), and Susie Seiter (Encanto; Evanescence; Inside Out 2). The appetizing Bake Off entries were scored by Judges Dan Ahdoot (Cobra Kai; Kickin’ It), Melissa Orquiza (Dune; Moana 2), and ETM-LA Student Alums Krista Sims & Renata Raya.
Musical treats were also provided by Sims (violin) and Raya (cello) joined by ETM-LA Executive Director Victoria Lanier on violin for Minuet 1 by J.S. Bach. Sims wowed on a smooth vocal performance of the Gershwin standard, “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Before his jazzy performance of Laufey’s “From the Start” on saxophone, ETM-LA Student Alum Diego (now a high school senior) reflected on his time in music class and its impact on his life: “As a kid I was always very hyper… music really helped me calm down and brought me back down to earth. Music was the thing that inspired me to keep going after all these years.”
Ahdoot shared, “I know how powerful music can be, especially when you’re young, in helping you stay focused and disciplined. There’s something about the challenge and reward of music that is so powerful; and so high stakes in a way, but in a way that makes you such a better person. It’s the best creative outlet you can have in your life.”
On the importance of music education, Carmichael commented, “Music is such a valuable language for people to learn, and the earlier you learn, the better… When kids are at that developmental stage and have a chance to meet up with a good teacher who can inspire them in so many different ways, it’s just invaluable.”
2025 Bake Off Winners List:
Best Flavor (“The Muse”): Beef Empanadas (Micaela Carballo)
Best Presentation (“The Rockstar”): Cardamom Bread (Becca Shrand)
Most Original (“The Avant Garde”): Poppy Cakelette (Leo Birenberg)
Fan Favorite: Dutch Apple Pie (Fernand Bos)
Honorable Mentions:
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes (Susie Seiter), Brown Sugar Apple Bundt Cake (Jesse Carmichael), Cowboy Baklava (Michael Paraskevas), Toffee (Sherri Chung), Pretzels (Andres Locsey)
Thank you to our supporters, guest artist bakers and judges, student alumni, staff, and volunteers for participating. We are grateful to everyone who came to break bread with us!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Moskovciak
Phone: (818) 433-7600
Email: press@etmla.org
Website: www.etmla.org
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Education Through Music-Los Angeles is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of the core curriculum for every child in order to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.
For more information: www.etmla.org