Pacific Academy - High School, Surrey, B.C.,  June 10, 2005
(click on the thumbnail images below to expand to full size)
High School:  Grade 7

High School:  Grade 10

Video Clips
Solo:  Jesus Loves Me  (1.4M)
'Executive Summary'!  The Amazing Bell Race  (730k)
Schulmerich Handbells - 4 Octave Scale  (700k)

Congratulations, Ryan!
Biola University Grad
Pomp And Circumstance  (2.7M)
YouTube Video Link

Notes
1. This record event was held in conjunction with the Canadian “Ringing Link” National Conference of Handbell Players (being held at the Penticton Conference Centre July 6-9, 2005);
2. The entire record was broadcast live online over the internet via streaming video - Stay Tuned for further details @ www.Possibells.com !
3. An official Certificate has been received from Guinness World Records;
4. Handbells used: Joe Defries' own set of 4-Octave Schulmerich Handbells.

Biography of Joe Defries
I've played handchimes and handbells for 25 years - starting in Cranbrook, B.C. and most recently as the Director of Handbells at the South Delta Baptist Church (Tsawwassen) and the West Abbotsford Mennonite Church. Aside from “solo” handbell performances at several Lower Mainland Vancouver events (schools, business and Toastmasters events, retirement centres, hospitals & Churches), I 'ring' as a substitute player for the Calvin Presbyterian Church (Abbotsford).

Guinness® Guidelines
The Guinness® World Record guidelines for this event are as follows:
- As it is a new music category record (i.e. world-first attempt), I was required to play for a minimum of 24 hours non-stop;
- One 15-minute break is allowed for each 8-hour period;
- No music piece can be repeated within any 4-hour period;
- Each piece must be a published piece, to be played for a minimum of 2 minutes;
- A maximum of 30 seconds is allowed after each piece for setup of the next piece.

Goals
The primary goal of this record event was to raise the awareness of handbells worldwide. All profits from this event will go to the B.C. Guild of English Handbell Ringers (BCGEHR) to help them with plans for the International Symposium in Brisbane, Australia (August 2006).

My secondary goal is to promote humour around the world, through my web site www.joe-ks.com - after all, everyone needs a laugh!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Where did you get the name "Possibells"?
A: One of my mother's favourite songs was "Nothing Is Impossible", combined with inspiration from Bible verses Luke 1:37 and Mark 10:27.

Q: What do you think will be the greatest challenge about the marathon ring?
A: Running the marathon itself! This isn't an exercise for precise playing of the most complicated handbell solo pieces (although Guinness does require  an acceptable standard of playing) - it's about how I don't "burn myself out" in the first few hours... I need to to prepare for the event in several ways to ensure that I don't end up with carpal tunnel syndrome and have to cut short the Record event.

Q: Have you received any tips from present Guinness® World Record holders?
A: If anyone out there has any tips for me, please email your tips to me!