Drum Corps Radio builds steam, faces uncertain future
Matt Mingle runs a new cable/Internet radio program called Drum Corps Radio that is getting attention around the nation. At the young age of 20, he has interviewed Cadets Director George Hopkins and David Letterman trumpeter and Crossmen instructor Al Chez.
"I have tuned in every week for the past six weeks," said Phil Costabile, a drum corps fan since 1967.
The show airs Monday evenings during the off-season from 8:00-10:00 PM, EST. Fans can access the show online by logging on to http://dc_radio.tripod.com.
One thing that isn't certain is how long the show will last. The University of Delaware student is marching his last summer of drum corps eligibility with the Crossmen this year, and will complete his education soon.
"As of right now, this is a relatively short-term thing if only because I graduate in May 2003," Mingle said. "After graduation, if I stay in the local Delaware area, I can continue with the program on WVUD as a community member of the station. If, however, I move back to Northern New Jersey where I am originally from, I'm not sure that I'd be able to find an adequate outlet for the show. If the latter should occur, I do hope to find someone else at the University of Delaware to continue the show even after I have to leave it."
Another thorn in the side of the program is securing copyright permission to use music on the air.
DCI holds the rights to compilation recordings, but corps like Southwind hold the rights to individual recordings of their own performances.
"When I first started doing the program, I didn't even think to make the contacts regarding copyright permissions," Mingle said. "(DCI Executive Director) Dan Acheson e-mailed me after the very first broadcast to request that I cease using DCI recordings immediately due to copyright reasons."
Acheson said Mingle could get permission from a corps like the Blue Devils to play their 1985 show, for example. But DCI still holds the rights to any compilation recording of corps.
"DCI is extremely sensitive about who is given the right to use the corps material," Acheson said. "DCI is interested in making sure any entity using the material is conforming to all laws and policies set forth, and that it serves the best interest of all of the participating corps."
Mingle has worked out an agreement with Drum Corps Associates, the senior corps circuit.
"I then contacted DCA to obtain their permission," Mingle said. "I did receive permission after some discussions between DCA, Digital Audio Resources, the management staff of WVUD, and myself. I've made subsequent requests to DCI since the original contact, but have not been able to obtain any type of agreement thus far. I believe Drum Corps Radio to be a great public relations tool for the activity and hope to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with DCI at some point."
Fans of Drum Corps Radio have enjoyed recordings of popular senior corps like Minnesota Brass. (Photo by Dan Scafidi)
"I enjoy listening to Drum Corps Radio because of the mix of current and historical corps that Matt plays," Costabile said. "I am grateful that DCA allows Matt to play their recordings and it is a strong indicator that the senior circuit is attempting to promote the activity and keep it alive. In response, I will try to attend more DCA shows this season.
"DCI is very foolish for not allowing Matt to play their recordings because they are missing a good opportunity to promote their product and increase their fan base."
While Mingle can't air the '93 Cadets opener, he has been able to interview folks like Hopkins to keep the program interesting.
"I do feel like some of the big names in drum corps are starting to take notice of the show," Mingle said. "Al Chez and George Hopkins were both very gracious in meeting with me for segments on Drum Corps Radio and I hope to increase that in the future."
Mingle also reports breaking news gathered from the Drum Corps World web site.
His fan base is growing, he said...
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