I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? 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. 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. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! 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. 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 . [16] Hopkins and YEA! 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. 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 DCI.org interview: George Hopkins 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. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. 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. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins settles with YEA on She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. 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.. 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. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. I think from here on out, theres a new level and a new sense of accountability that we as alumni of the Corps are unified in making sure that these experiences dont happen again, said former Troopers color guard member Vanessa Connell. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. 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. 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. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. . Thats if they make it onto the corps which is decided over several monthly training camps, between which corps hopefuls have to complete video assignments and track their diet and exercise. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. 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. 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. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. Error! 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. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn 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. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. 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! ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. 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. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director 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.. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! 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. It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. 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. . Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. Consent matters.. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. Never thought for once you were a liar!! Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. Updated Nov 13, 2018. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. The reasons why may be about more than money. The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit 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. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. In 1969, the corps became coed. 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. 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. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault 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? I was just going to say, check his will! 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. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. Fine time to ask me now. In his federal lawsuit seeking severance pay and other monies, Hopkins asserts that he resigned from the organization by letter on April 5, and that his departure was "mutually agreed"-upon. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . 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. You have permission to edit this article. Consent matters.. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. You have permission to edit this article. This time, people considered dramatic steps to change the face of the Cadets and for all time, to shift the trajectory of the most honored drum and bugle corps in history. and only for this show no black uniform. You can cancel at any time. [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, 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. You have permission to edit this article. There was an error processing your request. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. George Hopkins - Medium "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. 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. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. 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. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. 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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. also sponsored the recently inactive 2016 DCA Champion Cadets2 Drum Corps, 2014 WGI Independent Open Champion Cadets Winter Percussion, and Cadets Winter Guard; USBands (formerly United States Scholastic Band Association); the Urban Arts Center of the Lehigh Valley, which included the Xcape Dance Studio.[18]. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. 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 In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. 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. 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. YEA! Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. 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.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. It took a summer without performances, said Connell, for people to step back and realize that what they thought was tough love was actually systemic negligence. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana [10] The organization also hired a Chicago labor and employment law firm, Franczek Radelet, to investigate the accusations against Hopkins as well as YEA!s policies and procedures for providing a safe environment for youth members, employees, and volunteers. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com In 2003, Yea! Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. 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. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. YEA! amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault