But no one is irreplaceable. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. Executive Director, Youth Education in the Arts Director, nine-time DCI World Championship Cadets D&B Corps Social Studies Teacher: Aston Township HS (PA) 1979-80 Band Director: Northern Highlands High School (NJ), 1984 One possible side effect of the frigid temps? How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. In addition, YEA! They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. People are using more water. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. Many of the women who spoke to Philly.com said they felt empowered to come forward by the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct that has toppled powerful men in news and entertainment. The reasons why may be about more than money. YEA! Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. 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. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The decision to leave wasnt easy, especially since the messaging within the organization encourages members to deal with the hardships or be seen as weak. The. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. 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 her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. Berry cited precedent in which a federal court found that the defense had not exhausted all other avenues for getting information before a media outlet was forced to hand over an interview. George Hopkins on The Cadets 2017 Show | Marching Arts Education She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. 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.". Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. 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. 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. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. She said the memories can, at times, still knock the wind out of me, but I get up., I dont just get up and go to work to hide my pain and put the abuse behind me, she wrote. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. Former drum corps director expected to plead guilty to sex assault charges, Fire broke out in a Lower Macungie apartment building, Champions of Magic's Alex McAleer gives an exciting look at the upcoming live show, Pet of the Month: Nina from Ruff Life Rescue, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor needs volunteers, Allentown Public Library celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday with children's activities, Kindness Project teams up with Flavor Nation to give away free tacos, History's Headlines: The Lehigh Valley's music man, Berks County Parks invites people to their Winter Wellness Walk, Royals host "kids takeover" game where kids get a taste of the sports business, Wilson School students raise $83k to fight childhood cancer, Berks County Intermediate Unit receives $3.18 million in grants for Head Start programs, 'First in the nation' bill to provide free screenings for breast cancer to receive full Pa. Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? The women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. I think from here on out, theres a new level and a new sense of accountability that we as alumni of the Corps are unified in making sure that these experiences dont happen again, said former Troopers color guard member Vanessa Connell. Please subscribe to keep reading. The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. 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. The dozen women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. 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). For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) There was an error processing your request. Critic: I warned drum corps executive about George Hopkins A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. 10 in E minor, Op. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli GH doesnt love the CADET Organisation he made himself an empire..to support him with his RV and 200K salary plus all the other extras.Laughing at everyone all the way to the bank.. Laura Masker I am not disagreeing with you as far as GH is concerned. 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. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, to which Hopkins pleaded no contest. This is our 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. 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. Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. The City of Erie welcomed The Cadets with open arms, offering access to local business relationships, services, volunteers, and new opportunities for funding and partnerships. 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. One in four trooper positions are vacant. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! The rehearsal and performance grind wore him down, and he got little help from Jackson a former nurse aside from recommendations to drink coconut water and sit out a few reps. "We are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity guided by the following founding principles: To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants; and To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence.". George Hopkins Bio (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. 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. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. The judge did question how the defense would know if the witness impeached her own testimony on the stand, if it didnt know ahead of time what she may have said in an earlier interview. As promised, here is Part 1, of an eight part interview/discussion with the designers and teachers of the Cadets 1983-84-85, the holders of the first Drum Corps International three-peat, and . The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Marching as the Cadets of Garfield; wearing uniforms of white shorts, red golf shirts, and "Aussie" hats; and using instruments borrowed from the Chicago Cavaliers, the corps managed to finish in second place (one spot ahead of the defending champion Cavaliers). After the hearing, Hopkins' lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers' stories. "[12] As a part of the terms of probation, the corps' reassessed their planned travel to the West Coast to open the season, and instead decided to proceed with a schedule redrawn for East Coast shows. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. Rescue operations underway as Wyoming blizzard continues to wreak havoc, Applications open for nonprofit 1-cent funding, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Gordon discusses importance of focusing on Wyoming solutions, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. George Hopkins, former director of Allentown's elite Cadets drum and bugle corps, pleaded no contest to indecent assault after an Inquirer investigation revealed years of misconduct. 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. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Taught numerous bands. and USBands affects the lives of tens of thousands of students each year and I feel humbled to have played a small part in that. Thats if they make it onto the corps which is decided over several monthly training camps, between which corps hopefuls have to complete video assignments and track their diet and exercise. 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. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. Consent matters.. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. 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. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. In written remarks later directed at Hopkins, she said she had joined the Cadets bright-eyed, eager, and innocently believing that through hard work and integrity most things were possible., Instead, she said, working for the Cadets meant being subjected to verbal and sexual abuse. But instead, he encountered a disorganized administrative team that seemed to be improvising on the job. It comes from the higher-ups, it comes from the admin, it comes from the board of directors, it comes from the staff, the caption staff, the people that are in charge of putting on the show. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. Follow More from Medium Mark. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. 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. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! April 13, 2018. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. Not someone who wants to be an assistant. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. 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. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . There was a problem saving your notification. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. Also in 1971, the Garfield Cadets, along with the 27th Lancers, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock, formed the United Organization of Junior Corps (also known as the "Alliance"). Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. 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. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. 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. [16] Hopkins and YEA! There was a problem saving your notification. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns after sexual misconduct allegations April 6, 2018, 7:20 AM The decorated director of The Cadets drum and bugle corps. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! The Cadets have won these caption awards:[25], John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award, George Zingali Best Color Guard Performance Award, Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award. 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. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. Success! He's due back in court in February. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn You can cancel at any time. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. Consent matters.. What is clear ---I need an assistant. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations 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. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Success! 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Hopkins, George | WDCHOF In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. YEA! The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. I just felt like, Well, youre right. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. 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. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. and USBands affects the lives of tens of thousands of students each year and I feel humbled to have played a small part in that. You have permission to edit this article. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls, California residents do not sell my data request. Advertisement Allentown News Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. Man missing since 2021 was murdered, co-worker arrested: DA, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. In 1940, the Cadets won the American Legion Junior National Championship in Boston, the first of a record nine Legion titles the corps would win between 1940 and 1964. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Never marched in high school band. On November 13, Hopkins was indicted in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania for sexual assault, based on accusations of two women who are former employees of YEA. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets was one of the thirteen founding corps of Drum Corps International (DCI), is a ten-time DCI World Champion, and is the oldest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America.[1]. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. Cadets Does it Matter What You Wear? | by George Hopkins - Medium An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. I cried a little bit," she recalled. Updated Nov 13, 2018. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request.