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. And those folks do it without flinching. Former drum corps director awaiting trial in sex assault case sues for severance, Former drums corps director pleads no-contest to 2010 indecent assault, Closure of YEA is final chapter in series of struggles over the years, 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? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Free Access to this video! During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation 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. I expect my final paycheck on October 18 which should include the agreed upon amount for moving expenses that has not been paid since starting in February 2017. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Consent matters.. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. 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. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most 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. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. 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. New statement from Youth in Education in the Arts on Allentown Cadets 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. 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. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, to which Hopkins pleaded no contest. 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. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. 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 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. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . 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.. 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. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. Error! Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. I just felt like, Well, youre right. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. "[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. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. 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. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. 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. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com . 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. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's Success! Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. By Staff. Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. In 2003, Yea! Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! We could soon find out, A windy, cloudy Saturday for the Lehigh Valley, but the sun will come out tomorrow, Six years after hazing death, Penn State plans to drop the Greek life oversight it championed. 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). They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Renowned former drum corps leader charged with sex assault | Fox News You can cancel at any time. 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. 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. 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. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. People are using more water. Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director 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. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations 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. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. . The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. 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? The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. 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.. 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 settles with YEA on Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . 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. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". 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. Im angry. 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. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. April 13, 2018. I cried a little bit," she recalled. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. 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. participation in 2018 Summer Tour", "Cadets to forgo west coast portion of 2018 tour", "Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in sexual assault case", "Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge calls him 'disgusting', "Drum corps seeks $1.5 million from former director after sexual misconduct scandal", "George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation", "The Cadets Announce Independent Not-For-Profit Youth Organization", https://cadets.org/cadets-announce-move-erie-pa, https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/48381432/erie-sports-center-to-become-permanent-home-for-the-cadets-drum-corps, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Cadets_Drum_and_Bugle_Corps&oldid=1139537566, The Sinfonians by Clifton Williams / Give it One by, Advance of the Sponges by HIGGINS / Left Bank Express by Pete Jackson / Pieces of Dreams by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman / Echano by Chuck Mangione / Strawberry Soup by, Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson / In Nomine Patris, Almighty Father, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, God Said, De Profundis, Part 2 & A Simple Song, Maria, Rumble, Prologue, America, I Have a Love, & Tonight, Jeremiah Symphony, Overture to Candide & Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide), I Dreamed A Dream, At the End of the Day, Look Down, On My Own, Attack on Rue Plumet, Bring Him Home, One Day More & At the Barricades, In the Spring, When Kings Go Off to War; Ballet Sacra & On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, Dance at the Gym, Mambo, Cha-cha, Cool, Prologue/Rumble, A Boy Like That, Tonight & Finale, The Reivers, Born on the 4th of July, Blowing Off Steam (from Far and Away), Swing, Swing, Swing (from 1941) & Land Race (from Far and Away), The Promise of Living (from Tender Land) by Aaron Copland / Tulsa: A Portrait in Oil by, Tapestry Of Nations, Prologue, Chaos and Meaning, The Sage of Time & The Promise, History Repeating by Alex Gifford / White Rabbit by, Rumble, Prologue, A Boy Like That-I Have A Love, Cool & Tonight, Symphony No. 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. (CAE). Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. 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. The 36-year-old woman addressed Anthony and spoke about years of fear, shame and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. and only for this show no black uniform. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault