WVUD-2 exclusive Hardcore corps followers

A University radio show, Drum Corps Radio, is the only one of its kind in the country and has attracted an international following.

The show, developed and hosted by junior Matt Mingle, airs from 8-10 p.m. on Monday nights on WVUD-2, the student voice of the University of Delaware. WVUD-2, the companion to WVUD-91.3 FM, is broadcast on Channel 2 of the campus cable television system and on the Internet at [http://www.wvud. org/wvud2.htm].

Mingle said he made his radio debut playing alternative music, but once he began playing in a drum corps, he decided to play one hour of corps music during his regular program. After receiving positive feedback, last spring he dedicated his two-hour program solely to drum corps music.

Mingle, a member of the drum corps Crossmen, said a corps includes three sections: brass, percussion and color guard. "Some people like to think of a drum corps as an elite form of marching band," he added, "sort of the best of what a marching band has to offer."

He said his drum corps show has evolved over the last several months. "I've added interviews with prominent people in the drum and bugle corps activity," he said, "and it has really turned into a great place for drum corps fans to gather and enjoy our passion.

"A lot of the listeners tune in to me on the Internet, so most of my feedback is by e-mail," Mingle said. "Most comments are from people who have thought drum corps music should be played more, and now they are able to listen to it."

His e-mails have come from as far away as a naval base in Hawaii, as well as various locations in England and Canada, but he said he thinks most of his listeners are in the Northeast or Midwest, where drum corps are most popular.

Most of the music he plays on his show comes from listeners and his own collection, but he also receives permission from the Drum Corps Radio and Drum Corps Associates to use some of their material.

Mingle said he plans to continue his show until spring 2003, when he will be graduating. "The idea of giving it up then is actually a little scary," he said. He added he hopes that another student will carry on the show, since it's "the only one of its kind in the country."

According to Charles Tarver, assistant director of the student centers and WVUD manager, "WVUD-2 is a good training ground to have students get used to the radio and being on the air." He added that it also gives the opportunity to offer different programs, such as Drum Corps Radio and coverage of sporting events that would not have a place in WVUD-FM's normal schedule.

RANDI HORNSTEIN