Sexism and Sexual Abuse in DCI
Despite the elite level of performance that surrounds DCI, it is fundamentally an organization focused on the music education of international youth. As the pinnacle of marching education throughout the world, it is important that music educations remain up to date with circumstances surrounding the organization. It is even more significant that music educators, whose students are participating in this activity, fight for social justice in all forms within DCI.
According to Darragh (2018), on 13 April 2018 (roughly two weeks ago), the CEO of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA) was terminated by the board after the public allegations of eleven women testified that he had sexual mistreated, harassed, or abused them. George Hopkins, the former CEO of an organization that operates US Bands, The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (see video above), and several other youth performance groups, initially resigned after former youth performers and YEA employees accused him of sexual misconduct and forced sexual relationships. Despite his resignation, Hopkins denied the allegations. With no concrete letter of resignation to be found, the newest YEA board convened and sent a letter of termination to Hopkins.
Although this scenario is the most recent instance of exposed sexual abuse in the DCI organization, it is also the most tremendous incident to be covered by the media. However, private talk between alumni and current member of drum corps often include rumors about alleged sexual misconduct through DCI. In recent years, DCI leaders have begun to more directly address the hidden problems of sexual abuse and sexism in the organization. The courage of these women to publicly address sexual misconduct is a great step towards creating an educational environment that is safe for our students and conducive to achieving the highest standards of musicianship, discipline, and positive experience.
Within the world class division of Drum Corps International, there are two historically male-exclusive performing groups: the Madison Scouts and the Cavaliers. One group, the Phantom Regiment, has performed with an all-female color guard unit for the many years. However, these organizations are taking steps to eliminate sexist constructs that surround their organizations. For example, the Phantom Regiment color guard this summer will feature a co-ed group of performers.
This past winter, I was lucky enough to participate in a lengthy audition process with the Madison Scouts, a historically all-male drum corps that began as a Boy Scout troop. During the process, we were asked to challenge our perceptions of male privilege and the constructs of sexism that were present inside the all-male drum corps and the organization as a whole. After my audition process ended in February, it was not long before the Madison Scouts announced that this summer, a female trumpet soloist would be featured as a legitimate member of the Madison Scouts organization (Gilley, 2018)--a first step towards breaking down walls of sexism and discrimination in the organization, and, perhaps, a step towards becoming a completely co-ed organization.
To hear of the sexual abuse of young male and female performers in this prestigious education organization is heartbreaking. Testimonies have stated that forced sexual contact was unchallenged out of fear that the performing opportunity would be lost. Although steps are being taken in the right direction to correct the state of sexism in the DCI organization, there is still much to be done to ensure the safety of our students.
What can music educators at the school level do to prevent and combat sexism and sexual abuse in band programs?
Decades ago, educators and researchers such as Pucciani (1983) insisted that "it is time to consider the major part played by music education in the perpetuation of injustices on the basis of gender." Thirty-five years later, music educators need to become even more aware of the presence of sexism in music and in schools. When an organization such as DCI is faced with problems such as the YEA organization, it is difficult to maintain the image of and convince students and parents of the importance of DCI to young musicians. Before leaving their homes for the summer, it is important that educators have equipped students with the tools necessary to speak out when they witness or are victims of sexual abuse. Similarly, directors along with parents and school communities should fight alongside DCI and local drum corps organizations to create a better and safer experience for our children.
Reference List
About Drum Corps International (2018). Drum Corps International. Retrieved from https://www.dci.org/static/about-drum-corps-international
Darragh, T. (2018). Finding no resignation letter, YEA board fired Hopkins with no severance. The Morning Call. Retrieved from http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-youth-education-arts-rutherford-20180418-story.html
Gilley, M. (2018). Megan Hutera makes history as Madison Scouts' 1st female brass player. FloMarching. Retrieved from https://www.flomarching.com/articles/6118922-megan-hutera-makes-history-as-madison-scouts-1st-female-brass-player
Pucciani, D. (1983). Sexism in music education: Survey of the literature, 1972-1982. Music Educators Journal, 70(1), 49.
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