They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. 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. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. and only for this show no black uniform. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. After the hearing, Hopkins' lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers' stories. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. 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Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) 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 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. and USBands affects the lives of tens of thousands of students each year and I feel humbled to have played a small part in that. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. 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. . Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. 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. [13] The corps' compliance with the terms of probation was sufficient for DCI to allow the corps to compete in 2018, and the probation was lifted in May 2019. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. He began as Director in 1983 Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. 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. I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. Updated Nov 13, 2018. 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. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. 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. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. What is clear ---I need an assistant. 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. 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. And those folks do it without flinching. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. In addition, YEA! "And he did it anyway. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". 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"). 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. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said, READ MORE: Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls. 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. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Success! Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. 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. April 13, 2018. 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. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. CEO while denying the allegations. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. 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, July 12, 2019. reached a settlement in January 2019. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! 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. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". 253 votes, 88 comments. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. There was an error processing your request. 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. 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. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. how enemies came to be friends. 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. 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. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In 2003, Yea! This is art. 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. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. But no one is irreplaceable. "I never said yes. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. 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. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. ALLENTOWN, Pa. | The defense attorney for the former drum corps director accused of sexual assault is demanding that a newspaper turn over its unedited video interview of his clients accuser in order to prepare a proper defense. Advertisement Allentown News The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. 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. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. The charges are second-degree felonies. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' 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. The City of Erie welcomed The Cadets with open arms, offering access to local business relationships, services, volunteers, and new opportunities for funding and partnerships. 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. 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. 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. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. One in four trooper positions are vacant. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. You have permission to edit this article. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. 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. 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. During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Free Access to this video! 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. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! 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. At 192 beats per minute.. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Its credits include the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, President Barack Obama's first inaugural parade, a reality TV show and "Late Night with David Letterman.". 10 in E minor, Op. 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. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. 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. Hopkins was also charged with sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown; that charge was dropped as part of an agreement that led to Thursdays plea. 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. 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. 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The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets and CEO of Youth Education in the Arts who separated from the organization after being accused of sexually harassing nine women, is suing YEA for more than $580,000 in severance pay. 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. And I never said no. I just felt like, Well, youre right. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Executive Director, Youth Education in the Arts Director, nine-time DCI World Championship Cadets D&B Corps Social Studies Teacher: Aston Township HS (PA) 1979-80 Band Director: Northern Highlands High School (NJ), 1984 As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. "[12] As a part of the terms of probation, the corps' reassessed their planned travel to the West Coast to open the season, and instead decided to proceed with a schedule redrawn for East Coast shows. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Please subscribe to keep reading. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. On the social media site Medium.com former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins writes: , Sexual assault charges have been filed against the former director of the famed Allentown Ca. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! 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. The. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. The judge did question how the defense would know if the witness impeached her own testimony on the stand, if it didnt know ahead of time what she may have said in an earlier interview. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. 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. The reasons why may be about more than money. There was an error processing your request. Man missing since 2021 was murdered, co-worker arrested: DA, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. It comes from a lot of different places.. 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. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. 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. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. By Staff. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. But even after he was let go, Connell said he was still allowed around corps members who knew what had happened and had reported him to the administration because he was the organizations connection to the housing site where they were staying. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. The decision to leave wasnt easy, especially since the messaging within the organization encourages members to deal with the hardships or be seen as weak. Im angry. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. Never marched in high school band. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. 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. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. In 1969, the corps became coed. 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. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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. 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 [email protected] wrote: This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. 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!!! But this isnt the military. Hopkins, George. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! The rehearsal and performance grind wore him down, and he got little help from Jackson a former nurse aside from recommendations to drink coconut water and sit out a few reps. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. 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