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Consent matters.. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. 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. 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. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! 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. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. 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!!! Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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? George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. In 1969, the corps became coed. 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. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer reached a settlement in January 2019. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. I just felt like, Well, youre right. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. In 2003, Yea! 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. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. In my opinion, its impossible to march drum corps and not be broken in some way when you come out, because its a very rigorous physical and mental activity, said Calhoun, a former baritone. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. 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. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? 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. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. 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. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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"). The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? 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). During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. ; 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! For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. 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. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. 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 Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . 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. 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. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . You have permission to edit this article. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. 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. Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. in May, stating they lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public. The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. This is our director.". In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by numerous women in a 2018 Philadelphia Inquirer article, and was criminally charged in connection with two alleged incidents later that year. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. 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. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. 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. 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. 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. You can cancel at any time. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. By Staff. Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. in May, stating it had lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public in the 2018 Inquirer account. 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. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. There was an error processing your request. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. 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. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . 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. The. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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 Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. 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! During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. And those folks do it without flinching. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. I felt so used.". After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. There was an error processing your request. 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. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. Twelve women have told the Inquirer they were sexually harassed or abused by Hopkins over the nearly four decades he served as director of Allentown's famed Cadets, years during which he achieved rock-star-like status in the activity. for more than $650,000 in severance and back pay, the organization filed a counter-suit against the former director for $1.5 million in losses which it alleges to have lost due to the sexual misconduct scandal. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. 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. Error! Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019.