Reed Fellowship Recognizes Oxana Harlamova: A Legacy of Excellence

At Baldwin, one of our proudest traditions is recognizing those individuals whose contributions transcend the ordinary, leaving a lasting impact on our School and community. In honor of Marjorie Lindsay Reed ’39, the Reed Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching is our highest honor for faculty and awarded annually to a full-time teacher who exemplifies sustained excellence, a passion for teaching and a transformative influence on both students and colleagues. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate Orchestra Director and Baldwin Conservatory Director Oxana Harlamova, whose dedication to her craft and her students embodies the very spirit of Baldwin.

Oxana’s influence at Baldwin is nothing short of extraordinary, though it is marked by a quiet humility and an unshakeable belief in the potential of every student she encounters. Her impact is felt not through loud proclamations or grand gestures, but through her consistent dedication to her students and her craft. She is the teacher who inspires not through a dramatic display of talent, but through the authenticity of her work and the energy she brings to everything she does.

 

What sets Oxana apart is her ability to make something as intricate and, at times, intimidating as music — whether it's classical strings or jazz — accessible to all. From her earliest days at Baldwin, she welcomed every student — no matter their skill level — into a world of creativity, collaboration and possibility. Whether working with a first-time violinist or a seasoned jazz musician, Oxana has a rare gift of seeing not the limitations of her students but the possibilities within them.

 

Oxana’s presence in Baldwin’s music program is woven into the very fabric of our School’s cultural identity. Over the past two decades, she has helped build and nurture the music program from the ground up. Her tireless work was instrumental in the creation of our strings program, where she has taught students of all ages — from the youngest beginners to more advanced musicians — and helped cultivate a space where musicians thrive. For Oxana, the classroom is not just a place for learning technical skills but a space for personal growth, creativity and artistic expression.

 

When the opportunity arose to lead the Jazz Band, Oxana didn’t hesitate. Her willingness to step up to the challenge speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to growth. Even though jazz was a new direction for her, she embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm, signing up for online jazz lessons to ensure that she could lead the band with authenticity and expertise. This dedication to self-improvement is just one example of Oxana’s relentless pursuit of excellence — not just for her students but for herself as well.

 

Oxana’s dedication to Baldwin extends far beyond the classroom or stage. Her profound sense of community and commitment to her students shines through. She does not simply teach; she nurtures, mentors and supports in ways that extend far beyond the formal curriculum.

 

Oxana’s impact on Baldwin cannot be measured in awards or accolades alone, though she certainly deserves them. Her influence is felt in the many students she has taught, the musical performances she has helped bring to life and the unwavering support she has shown to her colleagues and the broader Baldwin community. Oxana’s dedication, energy and love for music have not only transformed lives but have created a lasting legacy within the Baldwin family.

 

As the recipient of the Reed Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching, we honor not only Oxana’s exceptional skill as an educator and musician but her unyielding commitment to her students and her community. Over the last 20 years, she has truly changed lives — not just through her talent but through the depth of her heart. She makes our community a brighter, more inclusive and more creative place.