[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 judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. 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. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. 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. [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. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. 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. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. This is art. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . 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. 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 Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. 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. 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! 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. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). 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. 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. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. ALLENTOWN, Pa. | The defense attorney for the former drum corps director accused of sexual assault is demanding that a newspaper turn over its unedited video interview of his clients accuser in order to prepare a proper defense. 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. 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 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. 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? 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. George Hopkins. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. 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. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Follow More from Medium Mark. The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. 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. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. 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. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. 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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. CEO while denying the allegations. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. 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 . Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. There was an error processing your request. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Youth Education in. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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, 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 . Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. [2][3][4], In 1972, the Garfield Cadets, along with the nine other corps from the Alliance and the Midwest Combine, plus the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands were founding members of Drum Corps International, which remains as the sanctioning body for junior corps in North America. But no one is irreplaceable. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. 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. 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. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. that title. 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. I get up because Ive done the work to make myself whole and understand the evil that was done to me was not because of me, but because of you.. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. 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. At 192 beats per minute.. Never marched in high school band. 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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? It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. 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. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. wondering if he would be able to field and/or finance a corps, and ended 1983 [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. 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. It comes from a lot of different places.. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. An order filed Tuesday in. 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. After the summer of 2020, the first summer in years without a Troopers tour, Ian Calhoun said he started to hear from friends hed made at the corps who were interested in reporting some of their experiences to the advocacy group MAASIN (Marching Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network). [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. Consent matters.. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. 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. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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. 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.. Success! Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. 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. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. 93 (Mvts. 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. 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. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. "I never said yes. 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. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. I cried a little bit," she recalled. 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. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. 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. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. But this isnt the military. money, and members. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. 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. 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. You can cancel at any time. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. 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. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. Please subscribe to keep reading. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. "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. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. 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. 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.
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