Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Prosecutor Matthew Falk, the offices chef deputy district attorney, said Beyer, the woman in the allegation dating to 2008, decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that. The victim in the 2010 assault has asked not to be named. 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.. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. 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. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. Fine time to ask me now. 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. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. 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. "I never said yes. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. 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. 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. 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. And those folks do it without flinching. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. George Hopkins. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. 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 (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). He began as Director in 1983 Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. 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. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. 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. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. 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. 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. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. 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.". Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. 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. "And he did it anyway. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. Follow More from Medium Mark. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. I felt so used.". Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. 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. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. CEO while denying the allegations. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. You can cancel at any time. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. 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. 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 Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. Youth Education in. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. Wyoming teachers are leaving. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. These sort of militaristic rituals, paired with constant reminders about how grateful members should be for their spot on the corps, foster a culture of negligence that came to light last month when several former members went public with allegations, leading to the resignation of former corps director Kristy Jackson. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. that title. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. CEO while denying the allegations. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. 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. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. Charges were filed against Hopkins in November 2018, months after Youth Education in the Arts launched an investigation after about a dozen women accused Hopkins of sexual misconduct. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. George Hopkins Resigns As Director Of Cadets Following Sexual Assault George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". 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 story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. I was just going to say, check his will! The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. 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"). 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. [16] Hopkins and YEA! Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli GH doesnt love the CADET Organisation he made himself an empire..to support him with his RV and 200K salary plus all the other extras.Laughing at everyone all the way to the bank.. Laura Masker I am not disagreeing with you as far as GH is concerned. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal.
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