george hopkins cadets

The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. 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. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. This is our director.". 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 Free Access to this video! 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. Never marched in high school band. 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 has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). 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.. 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? 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. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. Error! April 13, 2018. "I never said yes. The charges are second-degree felonies. He began as Director in 1983 Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. [16] Hopkins and YEA! "[12] As a part of the terms of probation, the corps' reassessed their planned travel to the West Coast to open the season, and instead decided to proceed with a schedule redrawn for East Coast shows. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. 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.. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Im angry. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. Advertisement Allentown News "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. 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 . Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. 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. 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. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 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, the judge said. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. 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. The investigation into Hopkins conduct found he had little oversight from the Cadets board, giving him the freedom to throw things when angry in rehearsals, refer to women as little girls, and send inappropriate sexual emails on the organizations server. 10 in E minor, Op. 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. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. 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! Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. 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. 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. 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. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. 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.". as of March 31, 2020. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. Youth Education in. Taught numerous bands. He's due back in court in February. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny 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.. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Beyer, who said Hopkins assaulted her after she went to work for the corps, watched his plea and sentencing Thursday, but did not speak in court. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010. The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. 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. 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. 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. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. 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. "There were some tears. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. The judge opined that this situation is very different than, say, a defendants statement to police, a full copy of which would be made available to the defense by the prosecution. And I never said no. 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. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! 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. It comes from a lot of different places.. 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. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. By Staff. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. 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. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. 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. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. You have permission to edit this article. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love 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. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. 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. In 1969, the corps became coed. Im angry. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. 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. 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. 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 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. 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. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 93 (Mvts. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. 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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? Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! The Alliance members felt that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the monies those shows earned. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. 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. 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 corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). One possible side effect of the frigid temps? Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. I cried a little bit," she recalled. 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. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. [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. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. [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. Success! First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps.