I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said, READ MORE: Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, Outlast Forces Lone Wolf Contestants to Embrace Team Dynamics for Netflix Competition, Diego Luna: Andor Ending With Season 2 Is Really Important for My Mental Health. as of March 31, 2020. On July 4, 1986 the Cadets performed as a part of the Liberty Weekend celebrating both the hundredth anniversary and the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Hopkins, the longtime director of the famed drum corps, resigned in April after nine women whose stories spanned four decades told the Inquirer and Daily News he had sexually harassed or abused them. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. All Rights Reserved. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. We could soon find out, A windy, cloudy Saturday for the Lehigh Valley, but the sun will come out tomorrow, Six years after hazing death, Penn State plans to drop the Greek life oversight it championed. ; Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00, United States Scholastic Band Association, "corpsreps.com The Drum Corps Repertoire Database", "Determination: Believing in the Midwest Combine", "Bang the Drum Slowly: A Championship Drum and Bugle Corps Leaves the State", "The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps: A history of alleged sexual abuse", "Statement from the Board of Directors of Youth Education in the Arts", "YEA! Fifteen years before nine women stepped forward to accuse drum corps leader George Hopkins of sexual abuse, a long-time critic says he warned the director of the activity's governing body of questionable behavior by Hopkins, but was dismissed. I was just going to say, check his will! In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. George Hopkins Bio But instead, he encountered a disorganized administrative team that seemed to be improvising on the job. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. Please subscribe to keep reading. Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said the woman in the 2008 allegation decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that.. The Cadets Drum Corps -The Three Peat | by George Hopkins | Medium The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. The members and staff, however, were not willing to cease the corps operations, and reorganized as a new organization, even though the parish kept the uniforms and instruments. Success! Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. Error! The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. And those folks do it without flinching. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Follow More from Medium Mark. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. "There were some tears. I felt so used.". Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. Im angry. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Some people may be able to give 12 hours a day to the cause, and that is great for them and you, but my life is outside of YEA! YEA! George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. II, III, & IV) by, The Pines of the Appian Way & The Pines of Villa Borghese by, Devotions: Kyrie Eleison, Simple Song, De Profundis, Agnus Dei, Things Get Broken, Pax: Communion, and Offeratory (all from Mass by Leonard Bernstein) with incidental music by Drew Shanefield, Tom Aungst & Omar Carmenates, O Holy Name (Traditional) / Opening Scene by Drew Shanefield, Tom Aungst, and Omar Carmenates / Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel / Sensemaya by, Adrenaline City by Adam Gorb / St. Louis Blues by, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990 (tie), 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1983, 1984 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1990 (tie), 1993, 1998, 1983, 1984 (3-way tie), 1985 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1995 (3-way tie), This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. On the social media site Medium.com former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins writes: , Sexual assault charges have been filed against the former director of the famed Allentown Ca. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. You need complete concentration on everything you do because if you dont, you could get someone else hurt or you can hurt yourself, Calhoun said. Edwin Garrity of the Holy Name Catholic parish in Garfield, New Jersey founded the Holy Name Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 1934 as an activity for the boys in the parish. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. In a high-profile case that came to light in 2018, a former director of the Allentown Cadets was accused of sexual misconduct ranging from verbal harassment to rape by 12 women, several of them former corps members. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. YEA rejects ex-director's resignation, fires him amid allegations, New twists appear in relation to former Cadets Director George Hopkins, Investigation underway into YEA! [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. George Hopkins, the former director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, was charged Tuesday with sexually assaulting two former employees, another striking turn in what had been an illustrious, four-decade-long career that took Hopkins to the top of the national youth activity. I just felt like, Well, youre right. He's due back in court in February. Beyer, who said Hopkins assaulted her after she went to work for the corps, watched his plea and sentencing Thursday, but did not speak in court. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps who was accused of sexual misconduct by nearly a dozen women, pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. In 2022, The Cadets entered into a partnership with the Erie Sports Center as the new spring training site for the corps' May-June rehearsals. Calhoun marched in 2016 and 2017 before leaving the corps in July of his second year in the midst of mental and physical illness, compounded by the rigors of tour. Consent matters.. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. The corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. money, and members. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. You can cancel at any time. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. The defense maintains that the video is very different than what Beyer later told investigators and that the entire video is necessary to mount a proper defense. New statement from Youth in Education in the Arts on Allentown Cadets agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. This action was taken in reaction to the rigid, inflexible rules of the American Legion and VFW (the primary rule makers and sponsors of both corps and shows) and the low or nonexistent performance fees paid for appearing in the various competitions. This amount of the lawsuit included recovery for lost sponsorships and pledged donations to The Cadets and YEA!, a major loss of participants in the US Bands program, as well as legal fees incurred due to the scandal. YEA! In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. As one of the only returning baritones, he was offered the section head spot by Jackson but turned it down I thought I didnt deserve it.. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. For those of you who do not follow the drum corps news, George Hopkins recently resigned as the director of the Cadets because of sexual misconduct allegations from nine women. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. Never marched in high school band. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. George Hopkins. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, and Hopkins pleaded no contest to that charge. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. What is clear ---I need an assistant. This time, people considered dramatic steps to change the face of the Cadets and for all time, to shift the trajectory of the most honored drum and bugle corps in history. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. Its credits include the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, President Barack Obama's first inaugural parade, a reality TV show and "Late Night with David Letterman.". In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- The longtime leader of a champion Pennsylvania-based drum and bugle corps has resigned in the wake of a newspaper report that contained allegations of sexual misconduct spanning nearly four decades. Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. These sort of militaristic rituals, paired with constant reminders about how grateful members should be for their spot on the corps, foster a culture of negligence that came to light last month when several former members went public with allegations, leading to the resignation of former corps director Kristy Jackson. Consent matters.. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. The judge opined that this situation is very different than, say, a defendants statement to police, a full copy of which would be made available to the defense by the prosecution. In addition, YEA! Wanneer u onze sites en apps gebruikt, gebruiken we, gebruikers authenticeren, veiligheidsmaatregelen toepassen en spam en misbruik voorkomen, en, gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content weergeven op basis van interesseprofielen, de effectiviteit meten van gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content, en, onze producten en services ontwikkelen en verbeteren. 93 (Mvts. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. The Cadets Drum Corps (formerly the Holy Name Cadets, Cadets of Garfield, Garfield Cadets, and Cadets of Bergen County) is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. In 1969, the corps became coed. And I never said no. The. Updated Nov 13, 2018. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . National Park Service encourages folks to never push a slower friend down in bear encounters, Jillian Balow, former Wyoming schools superintendent, resigns from new job in Virginia, Pressure on House speaker intensifies as Hageman, national voices weigh in, Wyoming's Jeff Linder coaching his heart out for his dad, seniors Hunter Maldonado and Hunter Thompson, Officials investigating death in Converse County, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Wyoming man admits to double murder, avoids possible death penalty, 2023 Wyoming State High School Boys Wrestling Championships results, Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help, Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps director resigns after allegations of unsafe culture, poor conditions, New Lutheran college in Casper announces academic dean. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. Morning call file photo/Special to The Morning Call, Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge calls him disgusting, Trump supporters who drove Hummer with guns and ammo to Philadelphia vote-counting site spared more jail time, Paul Muschick: Would money motivate Pennsylvania businesses to move to a four-day work week? Steven Chirichella Richie has his gold uniform on him in his eternity as he lies in the heavens dont turn him blackplease oh Holy Name. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. gant \er--gnt, a-r-\ : having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people : having or showing arrogance.thats GH. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. Never thought for once you were a liar!! His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. The parent organization of the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps has settled part of a lawsuit by its former CEO George Hopkins over his salary and benefits after he was fired in the wake. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Hopkins, George. It took a summer without performances, said Connell, for people to step back and realize that what they thought was tough love was actually systemic negligence. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. I cried a little bit," she recalled. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment, he sued the organization for more than $580,000. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. He began as Director in 1983 wondering if he would be able to field and/or finance a corps, and ended 1983 George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most For more than 30 years, George Hopkins has been a major proponent of changes in instrumentation, education and contest guidelines, such as initiating the use of band instruments, electronics, removal of sidelines and other alternatives. Prosecutor Matthew Falk, the offices chef deputy district attorney, said Beyer, the woman in the allegation dating to 2008, decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that. The victim in the 2010 assault has asked not to be named. In her 2018 account to The Inquirer, that woman, Jessica Beyer, said she had marched with the Cadets and was hired to work for the group the following year at age 22. George Hopkins - Medium Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. says every person associated with its drum corps programs must sign a code of conduct, , There's another twist in the ongoing investigation over sexual assault allegations targeting, Documents obtained by 69 News appear to show former Youth Education in the Arts CEO and Alle, The investigation into sexual misconduct allegations at the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle , The organization that oversees Allentown's famed Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. George Hopkins, the former CEO of the Allentown-based Youth Education in the Arts, faces three felony counts of sexual assault for allegedly assaulting two former employees. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. The Cadets - Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins A | Facebook Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation Drum Corps International, the sanctioning body for competition youth drum corps events, said in a statement that it was "deeply concerned" by the allegations against Hopkins. The 36-year-old woman addressed Anthony and spoke about years of fear, shame and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. He resigned his position in April 2018, but the YEA board rejected his resignation and fired him, citing the sexual misconduct allegations lodged against him. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010. CEO while denying the allegations. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. April 13, 2018. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. One former Youth Education in the Arts employee who spoke to Philly.com on condition that she was identified only by her first name, Marie, said Hopkins routinely harassed and assaulted her at work. [13] The corps' compliance with the terms of probation was sufficient for DCI to allow the corps to compete in 2018, and the probation was lifted in May 2019. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. You have permission to edit this article. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. The women are among roughly a dozen connected to the Cadets organization who say they were sexually assaulted by Hopkins dating back to the 1980s. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Youth Education in. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. After the summer of 2020, the first summer in years without a Troopers tour, Ian Calhoun said he started to hear from friends hed made at the corps who were interested in reporting some of their experiences to the advocacy group MAASIN (Marching Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network). established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. Four months after the director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, George Hopkins, resigned amid a sexual misconduct scandal, the spotlight has now turned on another, smaller corps Pioneer of Milwaukee. The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps.