A former CMS violin student, 20-year-old Brianna Herrera, has played violin with El Sistema Lehigh Valley, a program of the Allentown Symphony Association, since its inception 14 years ago. As she prepares to graduate from Kutztown University this spring, she continues to work as a teaching artist for the program. Brianna was diagnosed with Alport syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was a sophomore in high school. In April 2024, during National Donate Life Month, a concert was held at Allentown’s Miller Symphony Hall to promote organ donations in Brianna’s honor. Two weeks before the concert, she received the news that a kidney was finally available. Watch the April 2024 story on WFMZ. One year later, Brianna is back doing what she loves. She’s making music, and she can’t wait to graduate and share not only her love of music but also her experience of perseverance with future students. “I really want to give back to the students who may be dealing with something that’s really hard. To have some sort of outlet to look for…” Watch the update to Brianna’s story on WFMZ.com.
Former CMS Student Making Music After Kidney Transplant
