She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. 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. 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. [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. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. The corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. You need complete concentration on everything you do because if you dont, you could get someone else hurt or you can hurt yourself, Calhoun said. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, 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. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. It comes from a lot of different places.. 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). Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. YEA! The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. But this isnt the military. 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. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations 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. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. The Alliance members felt that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the monies those shows earned. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. You can cancel at any time. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana 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. There was an error processing your request. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. The members and staff, however, were not willing to cease the corps operations, and reorganized as a new organization, even though the parish kept the uniforms and instruments. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. 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. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. Instead, Beyer is very much in the public eye, and the defense is asking to see the entire video interview, not a reporters notes, he said. : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. 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. George Hopkins on The Cadets 2017 Show | Marching Arts Education George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. George Hopkins Resigns As Director Of Cadets Following Sexual Assault Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny 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. What is clear ---I need an assistant. Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. 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. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! 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. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. 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. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. 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. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. 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.. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. 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. 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. 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. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. 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. 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As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). 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. 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. 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. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's Im angry. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Hopkins, George. Updated Nov 13, 2018. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. "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. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. The Cadets Drum Corps -The Three Peat | by George Hopkins | Medium In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins 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. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Youth Education in. George Hopkins Bio Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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.. Wyoming teachers are leaving. 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. 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. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Some people may be able to give 12 hours a day to the cause, and that is great for them and you, but my life is outside of YEA! 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. This is our director.". Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! "[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. 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 . Fine time to ask me now. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Never thought for once you were a liar!! 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. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". Cadets Does it Matter What You Wear? | by George Hopkins - Medium [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. YEA! People are using more water. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. 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. George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. Error! Brisk with west to northwest winds around 10-20mph gusting to 30mph.. Mostly cloudy with less wind and a few breaks in the clouds overnight. Never marched in high school band. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. You have permission to edit this article. The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. Consent matters.. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. The reasons why may be about more than money. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. In 2003, Yea! I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. 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. By Staff. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) "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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. Im angry. 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! Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned. George Hopkins. YEA! George Hopkins - Medium 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). In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.