J. Burns Moore
1872-1951
In 1937 the Ludwig Drum Co. published J. Burns Moore's The Art of Drumming, which focused on proper rudimental breakdown and contained many drum calls and snare solos from the golden age of competitive rudimental drumming. William F. Ludwig wrote an introduction to the book when it was re-issued after Burns death in 1954.
"As a lad of 10, J. Burns Moore became interested in the drum because he wanted to play in drum corps and with theatre orchestras.
"An uncle who saw him pounding out rhythms on household equipment, made him a drum out of a small hollowed-out tree trunk with skins on it and rope tension. That crude drum was his first love - they were the "priming days" as Burns once said.
"His real opportunity came at the age of 16 when he met Jack Lynehan. It was Labor Day in New Haven and there was a big parade led by the Governor's Foot Guard Band. "My how that man can play the drum", said Burns. He followed that band to the Armory and there arranged for lessons and serious study with that great drummer, Jack Lynehan, who impressed this lad so much.
"Fortunate it was for Burns that Jack was an expert rudimental drummer. And so, two years later at the age of 18, Burns had realized his ambition and was playing in one of the local theatres, where he saw the show free every night and received ten dollars a week for playing. "Kings could not live a better life", he mused.
"Jack Lynehan left for New York for more lucrative fields and Burns now became drummer with the famous Governor's Foot Guard Band - in fact, he took over just about where Jack left off. This included all his individual pupils as well as many drum corps - many of them to become champions after studying with Burns Moore.
"Burns now transferred to the Opera House Orchestra and also became tympanist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for more than 45 years. Among the famous drummers who were taught by Burns were Johnny Morris, Tommy Glass, Russell Spang, Robert Van Deck, Fred Bauer, John Sanderson, Johnny Fay and many others now playing or have played with leading dance bands.
"J. Burns Moore was an authority on rudimental drumming. He was an undefeated champion in individual drumming contests sponsored by the Connecticut Fifers and Drummers Association (CFDA) at Hartford, Ct.
"For many years, Burns judged from ten to twenty-five drum contests a year including the National Legion and VFW competitions.
"One of the highlights of his career came in 1933 when he was elected President of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (NARD) organized in Chicago for the specific purpose of standardizing rudimental drumming instruction which is considered essential for all types of drumming from military to symphony playing."
Not only was Burns Moore the first President of NARD, he served the position over ten years, from 1933-1945. He was the CFDA champion in 1891, 1895, 1897, and 1900. He placed 2nd in 1892 and 3rd in 1893. In fact his 3rd place finish caused quite a stir, as evidenced by this personal account: "There was kicking over the judge's decisions but that was to be expected among so many contestants. Burns Moore of the Morris Drum Corps, who was given 3rd prize for individual drumming, was particularly incensed, and said he would never beat a drum again." [The Company of Fifers and Drummers: Preserving the Music of the Ancient Fifes and Drums, Susan Cifaldi, March 1993 - The Rudimental Percussionist] Moore was willing to front $25 from his own pocket in a bet that he could beat the two gentlemen who placed above him [Susan Cifaldi, email].
J. Burns Moore also taught Carl Frolich, who later would teach Earl Sturze. Dan English (1903-1931) was another Burns Moore student. Dan, who some considered the finest rudimental drummer of his day, was a two-time national snare drum champion who played with the Lancraft Drum Corps. Dan died at the young age of 28 from heart disease. Moore dedicated his snare solo, Filling the Double Drag to Dan who Burns claimed was his first student to learn it.
