Sanford A. Moeller

Who was Sanford A. Moeller?

Sanford Augustus "Gus" Moeller was an American rudimental drummer, a national champion, educator, and author. Moeller was born in Albany, New York, and began his music education by studying the piano.

While still a young man, Moeller also learned the snare drum and studied with August Helmicke. He served in the Spanish-American war. Later, Moeller moved to New York, playing vaudeville shows with George M. Cohen. He also played for the Metropolitan opera house and the Seventh Regimental Army Band.

He is also known for what is called the Moeller Method, which essentially documents the way of playing snare drum used in the army, particularly in the Civil War. Among Moeller's pupils included Gene Krupa and the late Jim Chapin.