They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. 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. In 1969, the corps became coed. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. Hopkins' accusers ranged from 16 to 37 at the time of the abuse and harassment they say they endured, including three who were members of The Cadets and five who worked for Youth Education in the Arts, the parent organization that Hopkins also led as chief executive officer until his resignation. Broke-down buses, Ibuprofen, and a sex offender: On the road with The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. 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? She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual 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. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. In February 2023, CAE announced a long-term partnership with the Erie Sports Center, resulting in a decision to move The Cadets and all operations of CAE to Erie, Pa. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. George Hopkins on The Cadets 2017 Show | Marching Arts Education Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Taught numerous bands. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. 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. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. The investigation into Hopkins conduct found he had little oversight from the Cadets board, giving him the freedom to throw things when angry in rehearsals, refer to women as little girls, and send inappropriate sexual emails on the organizations server. All Rights Reserved. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. 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. 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"). Free Access to this video! GEORGE HOPKINS 1983 - present George Hopkins, better known as "Hop" to his friends and marching Cadets, is the current Director of our corps, as well as the longest serving (25 years and still going strong). In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. 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. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! On April 5, 2018, allegations were made in published reports that the longstanding corps director, George Hopkins, sexually harassed or abused multiple members of the corps and staff over a period of years. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. What is clear ---I need an assistant. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. 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. money, and members. [2][3], In the second half of the Sixties, the Garfield Cadets became more of an also-ran than a champion. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. 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. 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. But this isnt the military. Youth Education in. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. 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. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. But no one is irreplaceable. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer 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.. 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). 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. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. Cadets are in troubleGH loves it that way.He wants there to be no Cadets if something happens to him.Cadets are in trouble for the FUTURE!!! 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. 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. There was an error processing your request. Advertisement Allentown News She said Hopkins' denials on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 he complained he had been smeared were a constant source of anxiety. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? People are using more water. Never marched in high school band. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. 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. You have permission to edit this article. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In addition to The Cadets, YEA! that title. 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 sentenced to two years probation in Lehigh County Court on Thursday. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). 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). Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. George Hopkins, who led The Cadets to renown and a slew of national and world championships, stepped down from the Allentown-based group after Philly.com reported Thursday that nine women had accused him of sexual harassment or abuse. The reasons why may be about more than money. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. 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. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. In 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities. George Hopkins Bio 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. 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. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. 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 whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. 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. In 2003, Yea! 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. Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom had previously filed a motion asking that The Philadelphia Inquirer provide the full and unedited video interview with one of Hopkins accusers that it had produced and published online. 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! This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. This is our director.". Consent matters.. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. 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. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. 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. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. 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 . 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 in four trooper positions are vacant. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge 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. YEA! George Hopkins, the director of The Cadets, talks about the 2017 show, "The Faithful, The Fallen, The Forgiven." George talks about the process of designing the show, the use of the singers, the three different uniforms worn by the corps, and about the issues the activity is facing around amplification Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. 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. Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. 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 was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. "And he did it anyway. George Hopkins, who also ran the youth arts education nonprofit that operates the Cadets program, pleaded no contest to the charges in 2020 and is now serving two years of probation. 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. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com 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. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. Im angry. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. 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. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns 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.. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com George Hopkins, the former director of the renowned Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps, appeared in a Lehigh County courtroom Tuesday morning and gave up his right to a preliminary hearing on . He's due back in court in February. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. [2][3][4], In 1972, the Garfield Cadets, along with the nine other corps from the Alliance and the Midwest Combine, plus the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands were founding members of Drum Corps International, which remains as the sanctioning body for junior corps in North America. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? 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. 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. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. Never thought for once you were a liar!! Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. 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. 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11].
What Does It Mean To Destroy Someone Sexually, Personality Traits Of A Gossip, Northwest High School Homecoming, Planet Fitness Franchise Owners List, Articles G