Naomi Kavka
Naomi has 100% completed Zelda Breath of the Wild TWICE (including the DLC) which means she has collected 1800 korak seeds, and defeated 16 divine beasts. She is a self confessed nerd, who also enjoys playing cribbage over Kombucha at the monthly Smithers Beer and Cribbage Society meetings.
What’s more, Naomi is one of VYF’s newest mentors, and joined VYF in September 2021. “I was graciously offered a mentorship position and it was one of the best things that's ever happened to me.”
She plays cello, guitar, bass, and she sings. She’s been singing since she was a little kid, started guitar when she was 9, and cello when she was 12. She picked up bass in highschool, studied classical music in university, majoring in cello at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She also play in a few bands: “Just this month, two albums I recorded on were released (‘Red Brain’ by Wax Mannequin, and ‘A Thousand Times Brighter’ by Black Dog String Quartet) and I performed cello on 9 songs for my dear friend Kym Gouchie's upcoming children's album! I'm so excited about this!”
VYF has given Naomi community, new friends, new music and a dream job. “I could write an essay on all the things it has given me and I would still be missing something! I have a deep gratitude for the VYF and everyone involved for inviting me into this fold.” She says, “The VYF is unlike any music organisation I have ever been a part of. The music is incredible and unique, the community it has fostered is supportive, inclusive, and develops not only strong musicians, but kind and confident kids who appreciate what it means to work hard towards a common artistic goal. It is ambitious, beautiful, and fun!”
Naomi already has a collection of good memories from VYF. “Our mainstage performance at Midsummer last year was so beautiful. Getting to hear returning VYF members talking about how important it was to them made me cry, it was so beautiful!”
“My favourite memory was our first rehearsal of this season. It felt like coming home, it was so nice to see all of my friends and students after a busy summer. Everyone was so happy to see each other and excited for what the new season would bring!”
What does she like best about Tanglewood?
“I love how huge it is! This is one of the biggest productions I have ever been involved in, and to take that on the road is an incredible feat. Patrick's narration is perfect foundation for the tunes, and the staging, costumes, and choreography elevate the music to an even higher level than I could have imagined.”
When not busy with music, Naomi likes hanging out with her cat, cooking, playing video games and listening to podcasts.