(William F. Ludwig wrote this account of J. Burns Moore’s life as a drummer 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 let by the Governor’s Foot Guard Band.  “My how that man can play that 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 19, 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. Next Burns transferred to the Opera House Orchestra and also became timpanist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for more than 45 years.  Among the famous drummers show were taught by Burns were John Morris, Tommy Glass, Russell Spang, Robert Van Deck, Fred Bauer, John Sanderson and Johnny Fay. Of the great rudimental drummers who were of the Burns Moore tradition two notables are Carl Froelich and Dan English Froelich became the instructor of one of the most influential rudimental authorities, Mr. Earl Sturtze.  Dan English was one of a prolific drummer who won just about every individual title possible.  Among the top honors were 4 consecutive Connecticut State Championships, the Northeastern championship, US National champ and 1928 World Championship.  His life was cut short by heart disease at age 28, otherwise the impact he surely would have had on the drumming world would have been legendary! J. Burns Moore was an authority on Rudimental drumming.  He was an undefeated Champion in individual drumming contests sponsored by the Connecticut Fifers & Drummers Association and was one of the top competitors throughout the ‘90’s…1890’s! On of the highlights of his career came in 1933 when he was elected President of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers, a position he held for 10 years.  He believed in the organization for the purpose of standardizing rudimental drumming instruction, which he considered essential for all types of drumming from Military to Symphony With this in mind he decided to write a drum method and call it The Art of Drumming, for he was convinced of the value of the Rudiments and wanted to assure every one that the standard rudiments as shown in his book are the true foundation for correct drumming.