Microcosm exists as smaller versions of the Bob Gray Orchestra in that most players perform in both bands.
The smallest size is the trio and that features Tom Billing on trombone, flute, and alto flute along with Ron Meyer on keyboard and Steve Chenoweth on electric bass. The Microcosm Jazz Trio is a band that plays both the music of the big band era as well as some contemporary stylings. The band has existed since 1990. Tom Billing is the leader and plays trombone and flutes. He is a former member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and plays with many local groups in addition to Microcosm. Ron Meyer plays keyboard and also plays with many bands and is a former band leader himself. Steve Chenoweth plays electric bass and is a veteran of local groups as well. Our goal is always to have a smiling audience that has enjoyed itself thoroughly. The trio plays regularly at Seasons Bistro in downtown Springfield, the Dayton Racquet Club, Wright State University for its Java ‘n Jazz series, The Paragon Supper Club in Centerville, One Lincoln Park in Kettering, Piqua Country Club, and elsewhere.
The quartet adds the guitarist (Chuck Young) to the group and he does some vocals. This group plays or has played at the Beavercreek Senior Center in Beavercreek, Whole Foods Store in Centerville, Otterbein Community in St. Marys, and the Gallant Farm in Delaware.
Microcosm Quintet is a band that plays both the music of the big band era as well as some contemporary stylings. The band has existed since 1990. Tom Billing is the leader and plays trombone and flute. He is a former member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and plays with many local in addition to Microcosm. Ron Meyer plays keyboard and also plays with many bands and is a former band leader himself. Chuck Young is the guitarist and vocalist with the group. He plays with many bands and performs at area musicals frequently. Steve Chenoweth plays electric bass and is a veteran of local groups as well. Jim Leslie plays drums and is the assistant marching band director at the University of Dayton. He plays with many groups as well. The band will perform classics such as “In The Mood” and “Moonlight Serenade” and will also perform “Brown-eyed Girl” and “Sweet Caroline”. Our goal is always to have a smiling audience that has enjoyed itself thoroughly.
The sextet adds a sax player (Les Whittington) to the list. It has played or plays at One Lincoln Park in Kettering and 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton. It is a good economical choice for wedding receptions and club events.
Tom Billing is the leader and booking agent for the group. He resieds in Springfield and plays in the Bob Gray Orchestra, the Kim Kelly Orchestra, the Lower London Street Dixieland Band, the Sidney Civic Band, the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, the Hauer Swing Band, Joshua Jazz combo, the VuDo Swing Band, the Pam Noah Swing Band, Microcosm Jazz combos, the Barry Campbell Big Band, and the Gem City Band. He also composes and arranges music for big band concert band, and orchestra.
Ron Meyer is the keyboardist and has a wealth of experience in the area having operated the Ron Meyer Orchestra. He resides in Beavercreek. Ron also plays in Tom Daugherty Orchestra, the Pam Noah Swing Band the Barry Campbell Big Band and the Bob Gray Orchestra. He is a top call player for combos in the area and is very active. He is a retired insurance agent.
Steve Chenoweth is the electric bass player and he resides in Dayton. He is a postal worker and still employed by the USPS. Steve also plays in the Pam Noah Swing Band and Barry Campbell Big Band.
Chuck Young is the guitarist and lives in Springfield. He attended Berkley College of Music in Boston and is quite active locally in playing shows at Wright State University and in high schools. He also leads a combo called Good Vibes. Chuck is a fine vocalist for all these groups, especially the Bob Gray Orchestra.
Steve Harris is the drummer and he resides in the Dayton area. He also performs with the Hal Harris Orchestra. He is fluent in ballroom dance styles.
Les Whittington is the sax player and lives in Fairborn. He is a retired member of the World renown USAF Airmen of Note. He plays with many bands in the area and is very good at doubling on clarinet and flute.