Leaderboard

All organizations take on the attributes of their leaders. By the time the cancer was diagnosed in 2018, it had long since metastasized. It is incredible the corps was able to survive another 6 years in retrospect. Make no mistake, this is not some random arbitrary incident from 40+ years ago that has unfairly taken the corps from us. This is a sick, rotten culture that finally caught up to itself. It's even sadder that along with this terrible culture of abuse, hazing, emotional trauma, physical trauma, and sexual assault came innovation, incredible performances, extraordinary education, life-long friends and family, and literal magic on the field. I think that's why it stings so bad. It's all of those things. It makes for a messy grieving process for us, especially alumni. The good can never erase the bad. That doesn't mean I don't get to cherish the good. I do and I always will. But i'm not blind. I was there. This was inevitable. It doesn't matter how old demons are. They stick around how ever long it takes for there to be a reckoning. Sometimes the reckoning is fatal.

I get that people are mad and upset. But the - she got what she wanted - they got their pound of flesh- stuff is ridiculous. What “she wanted”, I’m pretty sure, was to not be sexually molested. And then have to live with the stigma and victim blaming over the past 40 years and even up to this minute. So, yeah, let this be a warning to all those corps that still exist. DFTK. Perhaps this is the message that’s needed. Have you corps received it loud and clear??

Cadets 1993 - In the Springtime When Kings Go Off to War. I saw this show and knew this was where I wanted to march. Star was important that year, but I will gladly die on the hill of Cadets deserved to win. There has not been a show with this much physical demand since IMO. Half of this show was at 208 bpm. Watch the drumline when they put this section on the move - absolute insanity:

It's not much now, but I'm sorry what never should've happened to you both did. Thank you for sharing this, as it will be instructive and inspiring for someone out there that you spoke up.

So blame the victim?

This is very true. In some ways you might say the Garfield Cadets were lucky to not have folded in the late 70s or early 80s. Being one of the older corps they were never setup for modern drum corps travel, education, and funding like many non-profits were that began in the 70s, 80s, or 90s (and this is not to say those groups were all setup perfectly either). The Cadets were essentially a church corps established for parades. Like many neighborhood corps of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s most of those groups do not exist today. I'm not sure if Madison and Cavaliers are the only two left. I don't think Racine Scouts are around anymore...or are they? But there is a reason most corps that were founded in the early 20th Century are no longer around. What kept them afloat (Garfield)? It was not GH as some might say (despite all his criminal behavior off the field). I think they got lucky that Zingali, Sylvester, Hannum, and Jim Prime Jr came in and designed some shows (with the creative help from Cesario) that pushed the activity forward. This brought them popularity and brand name and many of the older alumni started giving again. This is what really saved them temporarily...the alumni/fans/donors and the instructional team. And even with GH robbing Peter to pay Paul (cooking the books) they managed to thrive in donor contributions and also changes in instrument deals and other spnsorships. YEA never really panned out to be the "educational" org they said it would be. To me it was more a front for money collection. But by 2017 and 2018 -- when everything comes to light with GH and others -- we all knew that should have been the knockout punch. As much as my heart is bleeding due to the loss of an iconic and historic drum corps my head says this is the way it has to be. They had chance after chance after chance to make changes. They lacked the whistle blowers who may have known what was going on and who should have stepped up back in the 80s, maybe even the late 70s, and put a stop to the methods of operation and people within (no matter how high their rank) who were commiting crimes and/or who were engaged in behaviors not conducive to safety, education, and a positive learning environment. The Garfield Cades were one of the few corps that somehow crossed the divide between the early days of drum corps in America (the neighborhood corps, Scouts groups, CYO, AL, and VFW days) to modern DCI days; BUT...that transition was frought with error that would make it difficult for them to last unless someone with real forsight and a progressive look at education, funding, safe travel, community involvement and real purpose were to redefine the corps mission statement and not just the design of a show. So even without the criminial ongoings of the corps' leader it was always going to be difficult for a corps from 1934 to navigate the modern DCI environment.

So many iconic shows in their history that will live on forever, but for selfish reasons, my favorite was 2023. I followed them closely all summer and got to see my son on the field in his rookie DCI season. When the last formation hit on Final night in Indy as a large part of the crowd erupted, there he stood. Right on the 50 yard line. Nobody knew at the time that it would be the last brass release of one of the most storied corps in the history of the activity. It brings a tear to my eye now just thinking about it. Yesterday was a very tough/emotional day for my son and our family. We'll all move on but as I told my son, he'll always have last summer and those memories. I'm eternally grateful that he had that opportunity. Thank you, Cadets. FHNSAB

Once I read/ heard in the Fall that The Cadets pretty much sold off every asset they owned, ie including transportation and kitchen vehicles, and all the way down to printers, fax machines, office furniture, office supplies, Corps sales merchandise, etc..it seemed clear to me that this was not the actions of a temporary suspension for a season, but likely the end for this Iconic, Drum Corps. Later on I saw their name removed from the DCI website. It had been scrubbed, and without any public notice that I'm aware of regarding the Corps being stripped of DCI membership. So the end for the Cadets seemed complete when I saw that removal. Nevertheless, its still hard for me to have this fully sink in yet. I wish the victim a sense of justice and most importantly healing for her moving forward . I have no idea how the plaintiffs lawyers will be paid. I assume they took on the case Pro Bono. But unless they can settle something financially with DCI, its a mystery at present to me from where that pay for their services will come from. As for the Cadets, I am very saddened for all the alums, volunteers, instructors, marchers, sponsors, etc that were with this Corps over the decades and had no knowledge of these unsavory things going on. My guess, thats a lot of very good, decent and honorable people since the Corps founding in 1934. that came through their ranks. 90 years worth. So its hard to lose something that has been pretty much a standard fixture for all our lives in our memories if we think about it. And it was for the most part, happy memories, great shows, entertaining us on the field with performances that will now have to last us our lifetimes. Lots of great shows over the decades to replay again and to enjoy. But not now. Not yet. This will take some time to get over the supreme sadness of learning the finality of this with this Iconic Drum Corps.

Victim blaming is not okay, guys. Quit doing it.

As we’re continuing this discussion, we need to keep in mind that the lawsuit was the final nail in the coffin, but even without the lawsuit the chances of Cadets taking the field again were slim to none. Remember we’re talking about years of serious financial mismanagement, not to mention a number of crazy decisions along the way. After 2019 it looked as if there might not have been a 2020. Covid and a year off gave Cadets a chance to regroup. The corps had revolving leadership, two significant leaders in particular who never had full support. I know one was beloved and one was a bit controversial to put it mildly, but personality issues aside, both were qualified and would have been able to put another corps back on track. Then there’s the move from Allentown to Erie. Don’t forget some one time insiders were predicting the end of the Cadets in the fall of 2017/winter of 2018 when it was rumored GH was leafleting cars of people auditioning for Bloo, Crown, and BAC while their winter camps were in session, hoping they’d march Cadets. Most of us would have loved to see Cadets take the field again, and I will miss a corps I have loved for years, but if it hadn’t been the accusations and potential aftermath of a legal settlement, it probably would have been something else.

TRacer, i am sorry you have had to live with this. And I absolutely understand being ok with knowing your abuser is dead. Mine is not, and lives near by. I wouldn’t wish him dead, but would not mourn his passing. when we all think about what this plaintiff wants from this action, obv none of us can know. What i DO know is that, in a civil action, she has final say in moving forward. She likely knew when she filed that there aren’t deep pockets here, but she filed anyway. When she was advised that this would necessitate shutting down the Cadets permanently, she could have said “no, don’t let that happen”. She did not. To me, that sounds like wanting justice above all else. Would i do that? Probably not. Do i begrudge HER for doing that? Absolutely not.

I don’t like the way this is written. The press release makes it sound like the Cadets are the victims. Sad.

If The Cadets had simply folded due to the cost of fuel, housing, insurance, food etc, I could live with that. Sad but hey, them's the breaks and life goes on. The fact that this was instead 100% self inflicted, it kinda pisses me off to be honest. I see lots of comments about He Who Shall Not Be Named... well, these actions pre-date him. Looking at the big picture, I can now see how he did what he did as the culture was already there. FOR THE RECORD... I am in NO WAY excusing the actions... I think he should be in prison right now. Just that this stuff was happening BEFORE him. As much as I hate to say it, the corps SHOULD have died back in 2018. We simply got a bonus five years on life support. This is sad, perplexing, anger inducing and TOTALLY unsurprising I'm afraid.

Clearly, for all the good drum corps has brought to many on here, there is this disturbing undertow of sickness and sleeze that so many are now revealing having been victims themselves...What that says about the current environment of drum corps, I have no idea...My marching days are long gone...But as there's nothing new under the sun, the lewd behaviors I witnessed in the sixties are still apparently a great concern today..Hopefully these concerns can be put to rest ASAP..Peace

You see what happens when concerned parties try to say something out loud, though. Not surprising.

and...so sad. i enjoyed so many shows. i had students march there. friends march and teach there. friends kids march there. one of the best days for me as an educator was the day before hershey in 98 watching Aungst and company work the drumline at Mechanicsburg HS for several hours. i learned so much watching and listening. they zigged. they zagged. hell they zugged. their Allentown performance in 18 will be burned in my brain forever. But in the end, the past caught up with them. i hope other teams throw in Zpulls this summer just cause

Agreed- even the press release is riddled with gaslighting and victim-blaming.

We're down to only 7 weeks until Spring Training in Castleton! Woohoo! The corps members and staff get into town on 5/24 and rehearsals begin on 5/25. I cannot wait! Eat'em Up, Boston! !!-!-!!!

on one of the zillion facebook pages where this has been discussed today, one of the people that claimed to write the press release seemed quite pleased with the wording. i called them out on the victim shaming tone, and was met with silence

We don’t know and that is the plaintiff’s business. However, having stood in that person’s shoes when I was 12 years old outlining to detectives in awful detail what took place, then having the perp (a martial arts instructor) show up at my front door several months afterward unannounced and relive those “not at all charming memories” I can say there are occasions where you want the person or party responsible DEAD. It’s been almost 50 years, and I am totally okay with the fact that that person is DEAD. Eff forgiveness. “Sometimes you don’t have enough rocks.” —- Forrest Gump

it is, just like Patriots fatigue, Yankees fatigue, Alabama fatigue, Duke fatigue...no wait. Duke is just evil LOL

a correction...YEA did succeed with USBands and all its other names over the years. in many ways thats what kept the corps afloat. and when the end of YEA came, that was the only thing of value left when the corps itself wanted to go off on it's own. I also feel horrible for all of those that were in Cadets2, the winter guard and CWP for their few years of existence.

yeah. i mean i have no idea what the ultimate reason for the lawsuit was. i don't want to speculate. it's just sad the event happened to where it got to this point, as well as every other thing mentioned now 6 years ago this week that caused the original explosion. i feel bad for the thousands that did things the right way and had no knowledge, as well those personally affected by the horrible actions. and yes people will say some there should have known...well, apparently if people didn't come forward, all you had was rumor and innuendo if even that. you can't blow whistles on rumor alone.

I cannot believe how incredibly unfair this result of the action by one individual over 40 years ago is to this organization. To think that the Cadets and the entire drum corps world should sustain such a loss is hard to understand. Is this really the desired remedy sought after by the plaintiff?! The memories and sense of accomplishment that future members are now denied as had past members and the drum corps community received. This is in no way justice.

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Katie Hopkins has been at SCV for at least 5 years now, teaches WGI Guards, and high schools guards too. I don't know her personally, but I understand from those that do she's a quality individual. Based on her body of work, and until there is more substantive evidence other than a Reddit post, she should be allowed to make a living despite the sins of her father. To do otherwise is gross and illegal under state of California employment law. For concerns on her training maybe ask Gio Bastante. I assume you know her.

I just.... man...... I was at work and I actually announced over the intercom that The Cadets folded. I knew that most didn't know who they were, but I said it anyways. One of my bosses wanted to know more as to why I announced it... so I told her.... I bleed kelly green. The Cavaliers will always make me go nuts. But I respect The Cadets. I understand why they folded, but gosh darn it.... this is horrible.

i think they wanted money, thats why they kept adding people and organizations. but let's be honest....as we continue to learn, it was a toxic place. eventually it had to catch up with them. everyone thought 2018 would be what killed the corps, but amazingly it lasted 5 more years. i do wish board members that came on here inviting questions had been less dickish when asked the questions last fall. but in hindsight, my questions were answered.

Thank you, Cadets, for the wonderful shows and performances you brought to drum corps fans for so many decades. I will always remember you for the high standards you set on the field. My heart goes out to the countless alumni and staff and supporters who brought us this positive legacy of education and excellence. My heart goes out as well to those who suffered abuses within the corps. Let us hope and work for the dsy when the drum corps can be experienced and enjoyed without the fear of suffering of any MMs or staff or volunteers. Peace to all.

Really? That’s where you want to go? The corpse is still warm.

One of the most storied corps in the history of our activity died today and this is what you care about? Good Lord.

I agree with you. I think it's time we all just say our goodbyes. All we have left are the memories of the great shows and the tremendous work put forth by the alumni of the corps who gave us so many wonderful performances. It's a sad day in Drum Corps History. 😞

Don’t blame the victim.

Sigh...I've seen many drum corps fold over the years. But this one is a real heart breaker. Thanks for the memories, Garfield Cadets. Where ever the winds blow me until that last day I will always remember watching the Maroon & Gold take the field over the decades. It was an honor to see this corps live. Many thanks to all the alumni out there who worked so hard and thrilled audiences all over the nation. The memories this corps gave us will last a lifetime and then some. Peace!

My old-school memories revolve mostly around the 60's team of Currie and Reynolds but I also remember seeing this man's name at the bottom of sheets numerous times. (sheets with columns for specific rudiments) The transition from "ticks" to "tapes" was largely overseen by men like Joe. Joseph Colla, a steady figure in the earliest days of DCI judging, dies at 80

Narcissism is a hell of a drug.

So the corps wasn’t in the hole in August? I remember seeing in many places about transportation issues and employees being let go long before the inactive announcement was made.

Then why were assets being sold after the season?

The problem is not with those who wouldn't come forward or any supposedly unfounded rumors, it's with the institution that allows, enables, or encourages retaliation against anyone who does. The reddit thread points to that happening throughout the org's history. Finally someone else is putting this to words. Triumph over odds that never should have been levied against young people.

Well, there's Boston, established in 1940 as The Most Precious Blood Crusaders. Nobody can accuse them of not changing with the times, on or off the field.

Wish I could remember who on either RAMD or DCP chewed me out for saying corps are one big “oh crap” away from going away. Just surprised SCV is this far along in trying to get back.

There's so many. But last years source material from Hans Zimmer & especially "Immortal" from Paul Lovatt Cooper... 😥♥️

Agree, that press release was hard to read.

I believe GH was in Cadets management by 1982. And the Tricia Nadoly articles clearly established that the GH assaults were happening at that time (I know several survivors). So, by then management had set the tone allowing such behavior to occur. And, as some in Cadets management in the 2010s said to a later victim- ‘GH will be GH’. Cadets could have stopped it if they had the cajones to. But they didn’t. Reap what has been sown. My favorite all-time show is Appalachian Spring from 1987. I will miss them.