Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 10 in E minor, Op. She said Hopkins' denials on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 he complained he had been smeared were a constant source of anxiety. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. 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. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. 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. 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George Hopkins, the former director of the renowned Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps, appeared in a Lehigh County courtroom Tuesday morning and gave up his right to a preliminary hearing on . The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. 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. Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. 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. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. 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. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Never thought for once you were a liar!! She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. 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. There was an error processing your request. and only for this show no black uniform. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . 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. . One possible side effect of the frigid temps? The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. 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. 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. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! 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. 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. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. Never marched in high school band. 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. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. 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. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. 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. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. . 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. Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. 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. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". 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. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? (CAE). The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment, he sued the organization for more than $580,000. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. 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. Youth Education in. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. ; 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! Consent matters.. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. You have permission to edit this article. Newspapers publish newsworthy items all the time, and they cant be dragged into court every single time a defense attorney wants to know what other information is out there, Berry said. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . YEA! Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. 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. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. But this isnt the military. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Updated Nov 13, 2018. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. "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.". 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. 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. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Hopkins, George. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Former drum corps director expected to plead guilty to sex assault charges, Fire broke out in a Lower Macungie apartment building, Champions of Magic's Alex McAleer gives an exciting look at the upcoming live show, Pet of the Month: Nina from Ruff Life Rescue, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor needs volunteers, Allentown Public Library celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday with children's activities, Kindness Project teams up with Flavor Nation to give away free tacos, History's Headlines: The Lehigh Valley's music man, Berks County Parks invites people to their Winter Wellness Walk, Royals host "kids takeover" game where kids get a taste of the sports business, Wilson School students raise $83k to fight childhood cancer, Berks County Intermediate Unit receives $3.18 million in grants for Head Start programs, 'First in the nation' bill to provide free screenings for breast cancer to receive full Pa. Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold "And he did it anyway. 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. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. 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. 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. 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. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! A statement issued late Thursday night by the YEA board of directors, the organization that operates The Cadets, an elite drum and bugle corps, said CEO George Hopkins denies the allegations but . And those folks do it without flinching. 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. 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.. An order filed Tuesday in. One in four trooper positions are vacant. Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. 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. 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. You can cancel at any time. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. 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. 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. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Im angry. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. 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. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. YEA! A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. National Park Service encourages folks to never push a slower friend down in bear encounters, Jillian Balow, former Wyoming schools superintendent, resigns from new job in Virginia, Pressure on House speaker intensifies as Hageman, national voices weigh in, Wyoming's Jeff Linder coaching his heart out for his dad, seniors Hunter Maldonado and Hunter Thompson, Officials investigating death in Converse County, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Wyoming man admits to double murder, avoids possible death penalty, 2023 Wyoming State High School Boys Wrestling Championships results, Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help, Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps director resigns after allegations of unsafe culture, poor conditions, New Lutheran college in Casper announces academic dean. By Staff. 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. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. 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. 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.. "There were some tears. 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.
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