The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps
| Company type | Nonprofit performing arts organization (formerly under Youth Education in the Arts) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Performing arts, Drum and bugle corps |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, Rev. Edwin Garrity |
| Defunct | 2024 |
| Headquarters | Erie, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | North America |
Key people | Denise Bonfiglio (board chair), Vicki Ferrence Ray (Interim Executive Director) |
| Products | Junior drum and bugle corps performances, educational programs |
Number of employees | Not specified |
| Parent | Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. (from 2020) |
The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps—previously known under various names such as the Holy Name Cadets, Cadets of Garfield, Garfield Cadets, and Cadets of Bergen County—was a junior drum and bugle corps that operated from 1934 until 2024.
Most recently based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets were one of the original thirteen corps that established Drum Corps International (DCI). Throughout their history, they earned ten DCI World Championships in the World Class division and held the distinction of being the longest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America prior to suspending their activities.[1]
On , The Cadets initiated a filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, attributing this decision to expenses incurred from defending a 2020 sexual abuse lawsuit as well as challenges in obtaining liability insurance.[2][3]
History
Established in 1934 by Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and Rev. Edwin Garrity from Holy Name Catholic parish located in Garfield, New Jersey, the Holy Name Cadets rapidly emerged as a prominent competitive corps. Their first victory at the American Legion Junior National Championships came in 1940, initiating a series of nine titles that extended through 1964. Renowned for their extensive touring, they successfully defended their championship in Los Angeles during 1950.
Following the withdrawal of support by Holy Name parish in 1958, which led to the corps' disbandment, members reorganized independently as the Cadets of Garfield. They continued competing by borrowing uniforms and instruments. By mid-1959, they had regained authorization to don their signature uniforms once again.
The late 1960s saw a decline in competitive success for the Garfield Cadets. In 1969, they transitioned to a coeducational membership. Two years later, in 1971, they allied with other leading corps to form the United Organization of Junior Corps ("Alliance"), an initiative aimed at challenging restrictive regulations imposed by the American Legion and VFW, as well as advocating for improved performance fees through joint negotiation of show contracts.
In 1972, The Cadets played a pivotal role as founding members of Drum Corps International (DCI), which introduced new standards and governance for junior corps competitions. Although initially missing out on DCI Finals for several seasons, they reestablished themselves by securing three consecutive DCI Championships from 1983 through 1985—the first corps ever to accomplish this—and later added a fourth championship in 1987.
After relocating to Hackensack in 1989 under the name Cadets of Bergen County, they captured additional DCI titles in 1990, 1993, 1998, and 2000. In 1996, sponsorship shifted to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), coinciding with a performance at the Atlanta Summer Olympics. The group simplified its name to The Cadets in 1998. When YEA moved its base to Allentown, Pennsylvania in 2003, The Cadets followed suit.[4] They participated in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade in January 2009 and added DCI championships to their record in both 2005 and 2011.
In celebration of their 75th anniversary during 2009, the corps temporarily revived the Holy Name Cadets name.[5] At that time, only the Racine Scouts (established in 1927) were older; however, since their inactivity beginning in 2015, The Cadets held the title of North America's longest continuously active junior drum corps until halting competition prior to the 2024 season. This distinction has since passed to the Madison Scouts among junior corps.
2018 sexual misconduct allegations
On April 5, 2018, allegations emerged accusing longtime corps director George Hopkins of sexually harassing or abusing several corps members and staff over an extended period. Hopkins resigned from his roles as director and YEA! CEO on the same day, denying all claims. Sean King was named interim CEO following Hopkins' departure. Shortly after, on April 11, the entire board of directors stepped down and was promptly replaced by a new board that dismissed Hopkins for cause, having not received a formal resignation letter from him. Hopkins contested this by filing a federal lawsuit, asserting he had submitted a resignation letter on April 5 as part of a mutual agreement. YEA! engaged Chicago-based labor law firm Franczek Radelet to conduct an investigation into the allegations and to evaluate organizational policies, while also establishing a confidential hotline for reporting issues.
Drum Corps International (DCI) placed YEA! on probation, mandating several compliance measures before permitting the corps to participate in the 2018 competitive season. As part of adjustments, The Cadets altered their tour itinerary, canceling West Coast appearances to concentrate on East Coast engagements. After fulfilling probation requirements, DCI lifted these restrictions in May 2019.
On November 13, Hopkins was formally charged in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania with sexual assault stemming from accusations by two former YEA employees. He was arraigned and released on $50,000 bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. On September 22, 2020, Hopkins entered a no contest plea to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years of probation along with a $5,000 fine.
Following Hopkins’ lawsuit against YEA! seeking over $650,000 in severance and unpaid wages, YEA! responded with a $1.5 million counterclaim citing financial damages caused by the scandal—including lost sponsorships, reduced pledged contributions, declines in US Bands program participants, and legal expenses. Both parties reached a settlement agreement in January 2019.
Organizational ties
Previously, The Cadets operated under Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that also sponsored the now-defunct 2016 DCA Champion Cadets2 Drum Corps, the 2014 WGI Independent Open Champion Cadets Winter Percussion ensemble, Cadets Winter Guard, USBands (formerly known as United States Scholastic Band Association), and the Urban Arts Center of the Lehigh Valley—which includes Xcape Dance Studio.
Beginning March 31, 2020, The Cadets started functioning independently from YEA!. On May 1, 2020, they announced the creation of a new nonprofit entity: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. (CAE), governed by a new board chaired by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio.
Bonfiglio remarked, "For over eight decades, The Cadets have been pioneers and leaders in performing arts education. We are embarking on a fresh chapter rooted in foundational values to educate youth worldwide about teamwork, inclusivity, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; foster a safe and welcoming environment; and enhance lives by imparting essential skills for personal growth and excellence."
In 2022, The Cadets established Erie Sports Center as their spring training facility for rehearsals held during May and June. The City of Erie supported this initiative through business partnerships, services, volunteer involvement, and funding opportunities. In February 2023, CAE announced a long-term collaboration with Erie Sports Center and decided to relocate all operations to Erie, Pennsylvania. This relocation received approval from the CAE Board on February 13, 2023. Interim Executive Director Vicki Ferrence Ray executed an agreement designating Erie Sports Center as The Cadets' permanent year-round base.
Show summary (1972–2023)
Source:[6]
| Light blue shading signifies DCI World Class Finalist[lower-alpha 1] |
| Dark gold shading denotes DCI World Class Champion[lower-alpha 1] |
| Year | Program | World Championships | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | Ranking | ||
| 1972 | Mars (from The Planets) by Gustav Holst / Rule, Britannia! / The Sinfonians by Clifton Williams / Yankee Doodle / Greensleeves / Children's Dance (from Merry Mount) by Howard Hanson / Amazing Grace / Jupiter (from The Planets) / Fanfare, Chorale & Finale by Gustav Mahler / A Mighty Fortress is Our God | 78.45 | 13th Place Open Class |
| 1973 | The Sinfonians / Give it One / A Mighty Fortress is Our God / Procession of Bacchus (from Sylvia) | 72.00 | 17th Place Open Class |
| 1974 | The Sea Hawk by Erich Wolfgang Korngold / One Tin Soldier / Parade of the Toy Soldiers / In the Mood / Lullaby of Broadway / Avenue C / Alexander's Ragtime Band / Alabama Jubilee / Sunshine On My Shoulders | 75.15 | 19th Place Open Class |
| 1975 | Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg / Fanfare for the Common Man & Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland / Anything Goes / Avenue C / In the Mood / Tiger Rag / Alexander's Ragtime Band / What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? (from The Happy Ending) / Romeo and Juliet | 80.55 | 11th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1976 | Prelude from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner / Pieces of Dreams / Echano (from Children of Sanchez) by Chuck Mangione / The Elks' Parade / This is My Country / Yankee Doodle | 82.45 | 14th Place Open Class |
| 1977 | Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky / Primal Scream / Theme to Star Trek / Pieces of Dreams / Echano / I Don't Know How to Love Him (from Jesus Christ Superstar) | 78.15 | 12th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1978 | Advance of the Sponges by HIGGINS / Left Bank Express / Pieces of Dreams / Echano / Strawberry Soup by Don Ellis / I Don't Know How to Love Him | 79.05 | 14th Place Open Class |
| 1979 | Carmina Burana by Carl Orff / Chump Change by Bill Cosby & Quincy Jones / Children of Sanchez & Echano by Chuck Mangione / I Don't Know How to Love Him | 76.75 | 16th Place Open Class |
| 1980 | One Voice by Barry Manilow / Evening Concert by Bill Conti / Fernando's Fantasy by Tom Scott/ Fire Dance by Jeff Tyzik & Allen Vizzutti/ The Elks' Parade/ Through the Eyes of Love | 76.45 | 10th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1981 | Adventures in Time/ Egyptian Danza/ Fire Dance/ The Elks' Parade/ Pieces of Dreams | 89.40 | 7th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1982 | Piano Concerto in F/ Rocky Point Holiday/ Cuban Overture | 92.25 | 3rd Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1983 | Rocky Point Holiday/ Selections from Mass by Leonard Bernstein | 94.40 | 1st Place Open Class Champion |
| 1984 | Selections from West Side Story | 98.00 | 1st Place Open Class Champion |
| 1985 | Symphony No.1 (Jeremiah Symphony), Overture & Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide) by Leonard Bernstein | 98.40 | 1st Place Open Class Champion |
| 1986 | On the Waterfront & Christopher Street (from Wonderful Town) by Leonard Bernstein | 95.60 | 4th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1987 | Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland | 97.90 | 1st Place Open Class Champion |
| 1988 | Third Symphony by Aaron Copland | 96.10 | 4th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1989 | Les Misérables selections | 95.60 | 5th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1990 | A Bernstein Celebration selections | 97.70 | 1st Place Open Class Champion |
| 1991 | ABC's of Modern American Music selections | 93.70 | 6th Place Open Class Finalist |
| 1992 | To Tame the Perilous Skies by David Holsinger | 97.00 | 2nd Place Division I Finalist |
| 1993 | In the Spring, At the Time When Kings Go Off to War by David Holsinger | 97.40 | 1st Place Division I Champion |
| 1994 | West Side Story selections | 97.70 | 2nd Place Division I Finalist |
| 1995 | An American Quintet by John Williams selections | 97.20 | 2nd Place Division I Finalist |
| 1996 | The American West selections including Aaron Copland works | 96.90 | 3rd Place Division I Finalist |
| 1997 | Celebration & Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke | 97.60 | 2nd Place Division I Finalist |
| 1998 | Stonehenge & Canterbury Chorale by Jan Van der Roost | 98.40 | 1st Place Division I Champion |
| 1999 | The Big Apple & Theme from City of Angels selections | 96.40 | 4th Place Division I Finalist |
| 2000 | We are the Future from Millennium Celebration by Gavin Greenaway | 97.65 | 1st Place (Tie) Division I Champion[lower-alpha 2] |
| 2001 | Juxtaperformance selections including Benjamin Britten and Van Morrison works | 97.60 | 2nd Place (Tie) Division I Finalist[lower-alpha 3] |
| 2002 | An American Revival selections including Leonard Bernstein works and America the Beautiful | 96.75 | 3rd Place Division I Finalist |
| 2003 | Our Favorite Things including Clifton Williams and Ron Nelson works | 97.10 | 3rd Place Division I Finalist |
| 2004 | Living With the Past featuring Ian Anderson's compositions including Aqualung tracks | 95.60 | 4th Place Division I Finalist |
| 2005 | The Zone: Dreamscapes in Four Parts with a Door featuring Bernard Herrmann and Björk compositions plus Jay Bocook originals | 99.15 | 1st Place Division I Champion |
| 2006 | Volume 2: Through the Looking Glass featuring works by Grace Slick, Jeff Beal, Lisa Gerrard and Leonard Bernstein | 93.075 | 5th Place Division I Finalist |
| 2007 | 'This I Believe' featuring Václav Nelhýbel and Frank Ticheli compositions | 97.025 | 2nd Place Division I Finalist |
| 2008 | '...and the pursuit of happiness' featuring Aaron Copland and Frank Ticheli works | 94.75 | 5th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2009 | 'West Side Story 2009: Conflict and Resolution' featuring Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim selections | 97.20 | 3rd Place World Class Finalist |
| 2010 | 'Toy SOULdier' featuring Rimsky-Korsakov, Samuel Barber and Howard Hanson pieces | 95.10 | 5th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2011 | 'Between Angels and Demons' featuring Frank Ticheli and Hans Zimmer compositions | 98.35 | 1st Place World Class Champion |
| 2012 | '12.25' holiday-themed repertoire including Carol of the Bells and Jingle Bells | 95.05 | 4th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2013 | 'Side >< Side: The Music of Samuel Barber' featuring Symphony No.1 and Adagio for Strings | 96.95 | 3rd Place World Class Finalist |
| 2014 | 'Promise: An American Portrait' featuring Aaron Copland works including Appalachian Spring | 96.875 | 3rd Place World Class Finalist |
| 2015 | 'The Power of 10' featuring Shostakovich Symphony No.10 movements and Jay Bocook original music | 95.900 | 4th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2016 | 'Awakening' featuring Respighi's Pines pieces and John Mackey compositions | 92.763 | 6th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2017 | 'The Faithful, The Fallen, The Forgiven' featuring Leonard Bernstein's Mass movements | 91.675 | 7th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2018 | 'The Unity Project' featuring diverse composers including Simon & Garfunkel and Sigur Rós | 92.225 | 7th Place World Class Finalist |
| 2019 | 'Behold' featuring works from Libby Larsen to Paul Simon and David Maslanka | 89.838 | 9th Place World Class Finalist |
| "Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic" | |||
| "…Shall Always Be": repertoire including Peter Allen, Aaron Copland, Ron Nelson, Björk, Van Morrison & John Williams" | "No scored competitions" | ||
| 2022 | 'Rearview Mirror' featuring Adam Gorb, W.C.Handy, Elmer Bernstein & Michael Daugherty compositions | 92.913 | 6th place World Class Finalist |
| 2023 | 'Atlas Rising' featuring Hans Zimmer scores from Man of Steel & Batman Begins plus Paul Lovatt-Cooper originals | 94.313 | 5th place World Class Finalist |
Caption awards
During the annual Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championship Finals, corps that achieve the highest average marks in five distinct categories receive caption awards. The Cadets have been recognized with the following honors:
Don Angelica Best General Effect Award
- 2000, 2005, 2011
John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award
- 2005, 2011
George Zingali Best Color Guard Performance Award
- 2005
Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award
- 2000, 2005, 2015
Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award
- 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2013
Prior to the year 2000 and before the adoption of the current scoring system, the Cadets received these accolades:
High General Effect Award
- 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990 (tie), 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998
High Visual Award
- 1983, 1984 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1990 (tie), 1993, 1998
High Color Guard Award
- 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996
High Brass Award
- 1983, 1984 (3-way tie), 1985 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1995 (3-way tie)
High Percussion Award
- 1987, 1990
External links
- ↑ Balicki, Brett (2023-10-14). "Cadets Drum Corps suspending 2024 competitive season". WJET. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
- ↑ Salamone, Anthony (2024-04-04). "'Beyond heartbroken': Internationally known Allentown Cadets drum corps, which left Lehigh Valley last year, files for bankruptcy". The Morning Call. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
- ↑ Myers, Valerie (2024-04-03). "Erie-based Cadets Arts & Entertainment files for bankruptcy. Drum corps won't compete again". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2024-04-07.
- ↑ Miller, Jonathan (June 19, 2005). "Bang the Drum Slowly: A Championship Drum and Bugle Corps Leaves the State". New York Times. pp. NJ6.
- ↑ Kuzma, Gregory M. (2009-07-25). "Holy Name Cadets: Celebrating 75 Years". Halftime Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-07.
- ↑ "The Cadets: Repertoire". DCX: The Drum Corps Xperience. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
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