The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Consent matters.. You have permission to edit this article. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. In the criminal case, prosecutors alleged Hopkins, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, sexually assaulted a former employee at his Allentown apartment, after they met at a bar to discuss drum corps rules. 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. Shortly after, more victims came forward, and the accounts of two of these women became the basis of the criminal charges brought in November 2018. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. You have permission to edit this article. (CAE). 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. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. 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. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video.
George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn The charges are second-degree felonies. It said it was reaching out to Youth Education in the Arts, and also planned an internal review to see whether any current members of the DCI staff knew about the allegations and failed to report them. The woman addressed Anthony in court, telling him of years of fear, shame, and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. 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.. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. "There were some tears. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. 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. YEA! Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. George Hopkins. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. 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 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 drum corps director awaiting trial in sex assault case sues for severance, Former drums corps director pleads no-contest to 2010 indecent assault, Closure of YEA is final chapter in series of struggles over the years, 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. With no 2020 drum corps season, Cadets Arts & Entertainment focused its attention on establishing clear policies, strict safeguards and strategic committees that meet regularly to help guide The Cadets forward. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . Youth Education in. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. I expect my final paycheck on October 18 which should include the agreed upon amount for moving expenses that has not been paid since starting in February 2017. Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold 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, the former director of the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps who was accused of sexual misconduct by a dozen women, pleaded no contest on Thursday to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years of probation. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side.
Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com The Troopers and other corps under the Drum Corps International umbrella are now left to reckon with the allegations brought against them on a deeper level, beyond personnel. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". These PEOPLE are your most important asset. 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. 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). I felt so used.". I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. 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. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". 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.
The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. 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. The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said.
"Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. 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. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. 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").
George Hopkins on The Cadets 2017 Show | Marching Arts Education Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. participation in 2018 Summer Tour", "Cadets to forgo west coast portion of 2018 tour", "Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in sexual assault case", "Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge calls him 'disgusting', "Drum corps seeks $1.5 million from former director after sexual misconduct scandal", "George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation", "The Cadets Announce Independent Not-For-Profit Youth Organization", https://cadets.org/cadets-announce-move-erie-pa, https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/48381432/erie-sports-center-to-become-permanent-home-for-the-cadets-drum-corps, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Cadets_Drum_and_Bugle_Corps&oldid=1139537566, The Sinfonians by Clifton Williams / Give it One by, Advance of the Sponges by HIGGINS / Left Bank Express by Pete Jackson / Pieces of Dreams by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman / Echano by Chuck Mangione / Strawberry Soup by, Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson / In Nomine Patris, Almighty Father, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, God Said, De Profundis, Part 2 & A Simple Song, Maria, Rumble, Prologue, America, I Have a Love, & Tonight, Jeremiah Symphony, Overture to Candide & Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide), I Dreamed A Dream, At the End of the Day, Look Down, On My Own, Attack on Rue Plumet, Bring Him Home, One Day More & At the Barricades, In the Spring, When Kings Go Off to War; Ballet Sacra & On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, Dance at the Gym, Mambo, Cha-cha, Cool, Prologue/Rumble, A Boy Like That, Tonight & Finale, The Reivers, Born on the 4th of July, Blowing Off Steam (from Far and Away), Swing, Swing, Swing (from 1941) & Land Race (from Far and Away), The Promise of Living (from Tender Land) by Aaron Copland / Tulsa: A Portrait in Oil by, Tapestry Of Nations, Prologue, Chaos and Meaning, The Sage of Time & The Promise, History Repeating by Alex Gifford / White Rabbit by, Rumble, Prologue, A Boy Like That-I Have A Love, Cool & Tonight, Symphony No. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. .
For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. 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. Two more women say they were raped by George Hopkins, bringing to 11 the number who have accused the former drum and bugle corps director of sexual misconduct. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors.
Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). This is art. 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.
Renowned former drum corps leader charged with sex assault | Fox News The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director.
The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps - Wikipedia Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. This is our director.". Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. 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. 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]. 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! Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Fine time to ask me now. 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. I just felt like, Well, youre right. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Please subscribe to keep reading. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.)
Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's Brisk with west to northwest winds around 10-20mph gusting to 30mph.. Mostly cloudy with less wind and a few breaks in the clouds overnight.
Broke-down buses, Ibuprofen, and a sex offender: On the road with Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. 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. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. 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. Charges were filed against Hopkins in November 2018, months after Youth Education in the Arts launched an investigation after about a dozen women accused Hopkins of sexual misconduct. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. 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. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work.
The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit Youth in Education in the Arts has issued a second statement on Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins' resignation that came after a Philadelphia Inquirer article on sexual allegations. 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! 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. 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. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. One in four trooper positions are vacant. Through his attorney, Hopkins denied "any nonconsensual relations" with the sisters and also denied having "any relations whatsoever" with Lee Ann Riley while she was a minor. In addition, YEA! [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal.
The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins YEA! And I never said no. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. In 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. You have permission to edit this article. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. After the hearing, Hopkins' lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers' stories. At the first DCI World Championships in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the Cadets just missed making Finals and finished in thirteenth place in a competition that featured thirty-nine corps from the East, the South, the West Coast, the Midwest and Great Plains, and Canada. 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. 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. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's video interview, George Hopkins' defense attorney wants access to the Philadelphia Inquirer's unedited video, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! 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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? A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . People are using more water. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. 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. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. There was an error processing your request. 93 (Mvts. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. There was upset from some people, as you can see, and others saw the progression as an effort to maintain the Cadets as an organization steeped in tradition but also very, very progressive when it came to new ideas, new concepts, and fresh presentations. Success! as of March 31, 2020. 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. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. 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. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. 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. On Friday, October 6, 2017, 10:08 PM, XXXX XXXX XXXX@XXXX.com wrote: This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. ACLU says it could take legal action over Saucon Valley School District rescinding approval for After School Satan Club, Big rig crashes from I-81 bridge onto street below in Schuylkill, 'He was a very humble guy': Reading High soccer coach remembers player killed in Route 33 crash, Eat, Sip, Shop: Refresh your ride at new Lehigh County store, selling high-quality car detailing products, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal.
Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management.