Since the dawn of civilization, the greatest minds in the world have grappled with a single question. Which is more important: fulfillment, friendship, or money?

While these thinkers dedicated hours and, in some cases, their lives to the task, the Piedmont Troubadours would answer in one (most likely beautifully sung) sentence: Why not all three?

Members of the choir bring live music to other people, establish and strengthen relationships, and, most importantly, make money in doing so.

Unlike the French medieval wandering minstrels for whom they are named, the Troubadours are far from idle. They are “dedicated to bringing fun, affordable entertainment,” according to the Piedmont Troubadours website.

The Troubadours perform at various school and community events, as well as Scott’s Seafood restaurant in Jack London Square. They are also regularly hired for private parties.

Sophomore Courtney Gao considers the Troubadours to be a professional organization. Gao said that the professional aspect does not detract from forming relationships, but instead adds a new dimension.

“I think what I like about Troubs is that it’s like a team sport in that everyone has to support each other, but it’s in a very different medium, and you just get to know people on a different level professionally,” Gao said.

She did not join for the money or the performing, but to bond with fellow singers.

“I knew that some of my really good friends were in Troubadours,” Gao said. “I had performed a lot with singing outside of school, and I wanted to have that same experience of performing with my school friends.”

Junior Apryl Hsu, who is in her second year of Troubadours, feels similarly.

“I joined because my friends were in it, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, free food!’” Hsu said.

Hsu described that they perform in different group sizes, from four to eight people, and go as a group to big events like the Scott’s performance and other community-sponsored events. Both Hsu and Gao refuse to divulge the amount of money that they make.

Some Troubadours have not yet received the opportunity to perform, including sophomore Daniel Champion. Despite this, Champion feels that the first-year members are enjoying themselves.

“I haven’t done any performing yet because this is my first year,” Champion said, “but I’m excited for everything to start, and it’s been fun learning the music.