Longtime Heights Resident Brings Musicality from Childhood to the Church

During the Great Depression, there was not a lot of money for entertainment. So the parents of Joanne Beckmann bought a piano for $50 and encouraged there two daughters to begin playing. 

Since then, Joanne has given her talents to a church choir, kids and a group of singing ladies called the Chansonettes, all right here in Chicago Heights. 

"I began playing in sixth grade," Beckmann begins. "Then I studied organ in college and continued to study up here until my teacher passed away." 

Beckmann, a resident of Chicago Heights for 50 years, has a paid position as an organist at . She has volunteered to do the church's annual Christmas and Easter choral presentations.

"I like playing classical music," Beckmann says. "The church choir does all kinds of music. I was raised as a Christian. Faith has always been with me. I'm sure it get's stronger all the time. Playing the organ has made my prayer life increase because when the choir sings, my playing enhances the church service and hopefully makes people feel more deeply in their religion." 

Beckmann has been at First Presbyterian for 32 years. She recently retired from her career as an accompanist at and . Of all the songs she has played over the years, her favorite is a hymn.

"My favorite hymn is 'For All The Saints,'" Beckmann says. "I played that at my mother's funeral. It's a very uplifting hymn. It was one of her favorites as well."

In her spare time, Beckmann plays for weddings and gives piano lessons in her home, often encouraging her pupils to go the extra mile. "It seems to be a strange criteria that nobody wants to practice. You need to practice everyday. If you don't you won't be any good."

When she's not playing weddings or teaching, Beckmann is an accompanist for the Chansonettes, a ladies' group that meets at First Presbyterian and rehearses Monday nights.

"The ladies, who were originally from Park Forest, sing all over the South Suburbs," Beckmann explains. "I volunteer for them. The ladies who sing from September through June perform for church groups, libraries and nursing homes. Their program is about 45 minutes long. They are always looking for new members."

So, after more than three decades at the church, what has changed? 

"The music at the church hasn't changed much, but the choir has," Beckmann says. "I've learned a lot from the church choir director. For me, hopefully I've gotten better in 32 years."