If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. 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 Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. George Hopkins Bio Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. also sponsored the recently inactive 2016 DCA Champion Cadets2 Drum Corps, 2014 WGI Independent Open Champion Cadets Winter Percussion, and Cadets Winter Guard; USBands (formerly United States Scholastic Band Association); the Urban Arts Center of the Lehigh Valley, which included the Xcape Dance Studio.[18]. Updated Nov 13, 2018. The defense maintains that the video is very different than what Beyer later told investigators and that the entire video is necessary to mount a proper defense. 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. But this isnt the military. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. I felt so used.". George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn 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. 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. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? There was a problem saving your notification. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence "I never said yes. 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. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations "I just kept saying no, don't do this, I don't want to do this," said Marie, who said she went by her middle name at work. 253 votes, 88 comments. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! 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. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny 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. By Staff. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! 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. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. 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. 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. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! George Hopkins Resigns As Director Of Cadets Following Sexual Assault Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. The Cadets Drum Corps (formerly the Holy Name Cadets, Cadets of Garfield, Garfield Cadets, and Cadets of Bergen County) is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. 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. Never thought for once you were a liar!! "[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. Please subscribe to keep reading. Hopkins, George | WDCHOF and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. Board of Directors Resigns, New Board to Guide Organization", "Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault", "Finding no resignation letter, YEA board fired Hopkins with no severance", "DCI action on YEA! Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Im angry. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. 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. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. YEA! Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. And those folks do it without flinching. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. 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. 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. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. 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. 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. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. 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. In addition, YEA! Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. The. At one point, a staff member called members of his section worthless to their faces, because they couldnt march without passing out from untended injuries. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. You have permission to edit this article. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. 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. "And he did it anyway. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. 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. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. 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.. 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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, 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. 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. 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. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. CEO while denying the allegations. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. 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). The charges are second-degree felonies. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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 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. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. Steven Chirichella Richie has his gold uniform on him in his eternity as he lies in the heavens dont turn him blackplease oh Holy Name. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. YEA! For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. I just felt like, Well, youre right. 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. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. 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. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. There was an error processing your request. Fine time to ask me now. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. In 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's 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. Youth Education in. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. Rescue operations underway as Wyoming blizzard continues to wreak havoc, Applications open for nonprofit 1-cent funding, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Gordon discusses importance of focusing on Wyoming solutions, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge money, and members. One former Youth Education in the Arts employee who spoke to Philly.com on condition that she was identified only by her first name, Marie, said Hopkins routinely harassed and assaulted her at work. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. Advertisement Allentown News 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. 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. 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]. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! 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. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. 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. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. Consent matters.. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". as of March 31, 2020. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. 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. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. 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. George Hopkins. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. He's due back in court in February. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said.

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