More background information
Judge Cheryl K. Hendrix

Section: Valley And State Page
Byline: By Brent Whiting

A Phoenix courtroom became a concert hall last week as a young violinist was allowed to play before lawyers, spectators and a captive audience of prisoners who sat shackled together in a jury box.

Judge CHERYL HENDRIX of Maricopa County Superior Court said that the solo by the son of her courtroom clerk was intended to relieve stress and provide entertainment, but some lawyers groused about the show.

The attorneys gave high marks for the quality of the 15-minute performance but said they believed it was totally inappropriate for a courtroom.

"I think it's offensive that a court can either be an auditorium or a courtroom, depending upon the judge's mood," said one lawyer who requested that his name not be published because he makes frequent appearances before HENDRIX. "It was like the Gong Show." He conceded, however, that it was a terrific performance. "I was really quite moved," he said. "He played his heart out."

Another lawyer, who also requested anonymity, said he thinks that it was wrong for lawyers, litigants and spectators to be kept waiting.

Hendrix said that Joshua Allen Wallwork, 16, was at the courthouse with his violin last Friday for other court business and that she wanted to hear him perform. The student at Dobson High School in Mesa performed hours before murder defendant Debra Jean Milke was sentenced to death by HENDRIX for the slaying of Milke's 4-year-old son. But HENDRIX said Tuesday that the performance had nothing to do with the stress of Milke's case.

"I had worked exceedingly hard all week long," HENDRIX said.

C. Kimball Rose, the presiding judge in Superior Court, declined to comment on the impromptu concert. "I do not have the facts of what happened," Rose said. "Without those facts, I cannot comment."

Wallworker's mother, Deborah Wallwork, said that to gain money for her child's musical education, she had filed a petition for an increase in child support from his father. Joshua Wallwork brought his violin to court to demonstrate, if necessary, that he has exceptional talent, she said.

Deborah Wallwork said that a Superior Court commissioner granted an increase without asking her son to perform. She said that Joshua Wallwork stopped by HENDRIX' office and was given a chance to show his talent.

Hendrix said that rather than have Joshua Wallwork give a private performance in her office, she declared a recess in her morning calendar and allowed him to play in the courtroom for the enjoyment of all present.

Deborah Wallwork bristled at criticisms that lawyers have made of the concert. "I think they feel we imposed on their time, when many times they do not appear when they are supposed to and impose on our time," she said.