[10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. The charges are second-degree felonies. 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 Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. 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 judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. "This is a painful moment for all those who care about The Cadets," Youth Education in the Arts, the nonprofit that runs The Cadets, said in a statement on its website. April 13, 2018. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. You have permission to edit this article. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. [22][23], At the annual World Championship Finals, Drum Corps International (DCI) presents awards to the corps with the high average scores from prelims, semifinals, and finals in five captions. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Crews contend with tons of snow as they work to reopen I-80, Powell sisters die in crash with semi-truck, Long shifts, odd calls, brutal weather: inside the Wyoming Highway Patrol staffing shortage, Ex-Casper doctor imprisoned for sexually assaulting patients released years early, Lovell steps up after local sportswriter dies from car crash injuries. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. 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. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. 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.. money, and members. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. But instead, he encountered a disorganized administrative team that seemed to be improvising on the job. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. 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"). Newspapers publish newsworthy items all the time, and they cant be dragged into court every single time a defense attorney wants to know what other information is out there, Berry said. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . 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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? The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. 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! 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. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. Free Access to this video! The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. 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. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. By Staff. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. 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. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Shes four years removed from the corps now, and married. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. 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. [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. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. reached a settlement in January 2019. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. 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. 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. In his federal lawsuit seeking severance pay and other monies, Hopkins asserts that he resigned from the organization by letter on April 5, and that his departure was "mutually agreed"-upon. 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. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. 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. He began as Director in 1983 Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. This is our director.". In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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. A statement issued late Thursday night by the YEA board of directors, the organization that operates The Cadets, an elite drum and bugle corps, said CEO George Hopkins denies the allegations but . 93 (Mvts. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. 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. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. Error! 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). This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. 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). 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. 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. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. 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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. 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. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. Taught numerous bands. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. 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 . 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. 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. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. 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. CEO while denying the allegations. A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. 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. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! [10] The organization also hired a Chicago labor and employment law firm, Franczek Radelet, to investigate the accusations against Hopkins as well as YEA!s policies and procedures for providing a safe environment for youth members, employees, and volunteers. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". 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. YEA! Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. After a great experience his first year, Calhoun said he was looking forward to coming back in 2017, even as some changes in his personal life took a toll on his mental health. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. 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. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. 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.. Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. Four months after the director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, George Hopkins, resigned amid a sexual misconduct scandal, the spotlight has now turned on another, smaller corps Pioneer of Milwaukee. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. 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. 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. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. George Hopkins, the former director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, was charged Tuesday with sexually assaulting two former employees, another striking turn in what had been an illustrious, four-decade-long career that took Hopkins to the top of the national youth activity. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. 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.
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