george hopkins cadets

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. Consent matters.. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. 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! You have permission to edit this article. "There were some tears. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? 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 After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. ; 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! ACLU says it could take legal action over Saucon Valley School District rescinding approval for After School Satan Club, Big rig crashes from I-81 bridge onto street below in Schuylkill, 'He was a very humble guy': Reading High soccer coach remembers player killed in Route 33 crash, Eat, Sip, Shop: Refresh your ride at new Lehigh County store, selling high-quality car detailing products, Former Allentown Cadets director issues statement claiming innocence, Charges filed against former Allentown Cadets director, Investigation into YEA sexual misconduct allegations complete, Report clears former YEA interim CEO of wrongdoing, YEA! "He's like, 'Are you all right?' 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. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). George Hopkins. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. 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. 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. 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. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. 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. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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! An order filed Tuesday in. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana 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. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. CEO while denying the allegations. 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. 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. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. CEO while denying the allegations. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. 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. YEA! Error! 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. "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. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. 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. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). money, and members. In addition, YEA! The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. 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. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. 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. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from 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. The YEA! Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Follow More from Medium Mark. 10 in E minor, Op. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. In her 2018 account to The Inquirer, that woman, Jessica Beyer, said she had marched with the Cadets and was hired to work for the group the following year at age 22. There was a problem saving your notification. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. 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. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. that title. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. 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. In addition to The Cadets, YEA! ACLU says it could take legal action over Saucon Valley School District rescinding approval for After School Satan Club, Big rig crashes from I-81 bridge onto street below in Schuylkill, 'He was a very humble guy': Reading High soccer coach remembers player killed in Route 33 crash, Eat, Sip, Shop: Refresh your ride at new Lehigh County store, selling high-quality car detailing products, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. 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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. But instead, he encountered a disorganized administrative team that seemed to be improvising on the job. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. "And he did it anyway. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. 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]. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. 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. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. gant \er--gnt, a-r-\ : having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people : having or showing arrogance.thats GH. 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.". [16] Hopkins and YEA! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. [2][3], In the second half of the Sixties, the Garfield Cadets became more of an also-ran than a champion. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. 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. In response to a question from Anthony, Berry said the paper would hand over the full video recording for the judges review only, if that was the courts ruling. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. 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. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from one victim who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010 at age 26, and who provided her account to The Inquirer in 2018. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. 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. 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. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Error! For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! 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. 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? This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. 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 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "We are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity guided by the following founding principles: To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants; and To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence.". Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. 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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. 253 votes, 88 comments. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. In the criminal case, prosecutors allege 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. as of March 31, 2020. In 2003, Yea! ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! People are using more water. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. 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 to make sure that you are taking care of them. 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. Free Access to this video! Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. This is our director.". The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. 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.. 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. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. YEA! Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. and only for this show no black uniform. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer I just felt like, Well, youre right. 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. 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. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. 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. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. 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. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. 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. 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. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. 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). Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. 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 . 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. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. 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. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, to which Hopkins pleaded no contest. Never marched in high school band. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. We could soon find out, A windy, cloudy Saturday for the Lehigh Valley, but the sun will come out tomorrow, Six years after hazing death, Penn State plans to drop the Greek life oversight it championed. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. 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. Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom had previously filed a motion asking that The Philadelphia Inquirer provide the full and unedited video interview with one of Hopkins accusers that it had produced and published online. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. Success! The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. And I never said no. Fine time to ask me now. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial.

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