Since most of these entertainers were neither poets nor composers, they were always looking for a chance to learn new material. One opening was during the season of Lent each year when employment opportunities dwindled. During this period of "time off" musicians added to their repertoire by attending so-called "schools" of minstrelsy where the musicians could gather and hone their skills by playing together and learning new songs.5 Perhaps it was while visiting such a school that the above quote from Chaucer was inspired. Most likely these gatherings of musicians led to ensemble performances, and large ones at that.6