Dougherty County Youth Orchestra

The Dougherty County Youth Orchestra (DCYO) was founded in 1997 by its former Music Director, Mr. Sergio Rodriguez. From its earliest years the ensemble has given young string players in Southwest Georgia a place to develop their skills, perform high-quality repertoire, and experience the rewards of making music together. Mr. Alexander Reshetnichenko began working with the orchestra in 1999 after moving to Albany and has served as its lead conductor since 2008. Year after year his hard work, high standards, and genuine care for his students have inspired successive generations of players to grow both as musicians and as individuals.

Now in its 30th season, the Youth Orchestra continues to thrive thanks to the Dougherty County School System’s strong vision and long-standing support for the arts. Dougherty County students are fortunate to have the opportunity to study orchestra and learn string instruments during the school day—an opportunity not available in surrounding counties. We are also deeply grateful to the school board for investing in quality instruments that have helped the program grow and flourish. This combination of classroom instruction, dedicated teachers, and regular performances has created a pipeline of talent that benefits students from their first years in strings through high school.

The DCYO consists primarily of high school orchestra students from Dougherty High School and Westover High School. As a true community orchestra, we also warmly welcome advanced middle school students as well as talented string players from private schools, homeschool programs, and surrounding communities. Students of varying ages and backgrounds rehearse and perform side by side, building both musical skill and lasting friendships.

The ensemble rehearses weekly in the Dougherty High School Orchestra Room under the direction of Mr. Alexander Reshetnichenko. This season the two main performances—the Winter and Spring concerts—will be held in the Worship Center Sanctuary at Gillionville Baptist Church.

Each year the Youth Orchestra presents these major concerts and also competes in the Music in the Parks festival. Over the years the group has performed at venues including Pigeon Forge (TN), Charlotte (NC), Williamsburg (VA), Orlando (FL), Atlanta (GA), and Tampa (FL). For many seasons running, DCYO has earned consistently high ratings and brought home numerous trophies and accolades. Through its concerts, festival appearances, and presence in the community, the Dougherty County Youth Orchestra continues to enrich the cultural life of Southwest Georgia and to give its members experiences they will carry with them for years to come.