To the Cauldron: Why are you there?

[BenC1357]

This might piss some people off. I don't care. I've set on this for a while now and it's time.

Why aren't you chanting?!?!?!

I don't claim to be the perfect fan. I never have, I never would. But I stand in our section and I'm disgraced. You are there to support the team! If you stand in section 102/103 you are not there to enjoy the atmosphere that everyone else creates. You are there to make that atmosphere. Some of you don't understand that.

I'm not talking about the average Joe here either. I'm talking about all of you. Some of you claim to be "leaders" of our section. Ask yourself this question: how are you leading? Because I stand there and watch you NOT chant for minutes on end. For years I've heard so many of you talk about how so many Wizards fans sit on their hands. You complain about how the other fans don't cheer for the team like you do. Well.....you are just as bad as them.

I know this will piss some people off....and I hope it does. Our group, the Cauldron, needs a wake up call. Tonight was terrible. The Argentinians that have joined us this year now carry our group. You do not. Is anyone going to do anything about it?


If you are going to stand in section 102/103, you had better be prepared to make some damn noise. If you are going to try and be a prominent member of our group, pretend like you lead this group of people, you are going to be called out if all you do is stand there with your hands on your hips and not screaming at the top of your lungs. You are there for a reason and you have a duty that you are not filling. I've chosen not to name names at this point. But I'll start calling people out by name if we don't improve. Remember why you are there.

[the_cyclones]

1 - can a mod delete dizzle post?

2 - Ben - just go ahead and call out who you think it is. IMO, it just makes it so much easier that way people aren't wondering if it's them or not. I think this kind of post can be what causes some issues w/in the Cauldron because it's not straightforward.

My thoughts on the Cauldron area from yesterday. Well, I thought we sounded fine but then again, I was in front of the Argentine group and was trying to sing some of their songs(still learning). Jumping when I can. Singing when I can. Clapping a lot. Those guys are loud. Yeah, maybe they are carrying the section now. Good/bad? I don't know. We are heard in the stadium and on TV. Sure, I think a draw back is that since they(Argentines) are go-go-go for 90 minutes, then it makes it hard for those of us that came from 114 to get our chants going. In fact, most of the time you all are half way through the first verse before I can even hear the chant.

I know that I for one do not chant/clap for 90 minutes. I take a break when I need to and pick it back up. Now, I am also sure you aren't talking to me but to those that are doing a lot less. That said, the only ones I can see from my position doing less are people who are obviously new to the section. I can't see what's going on on the East side of the section (103 side I guess)

[Beech]

This is supporters section subfolder content IMO. Since a mod started it I will not move it; but I don't think everyone wants to read the dirty laundry on the main forum about this.

[Sabotage11]

I generally stand in the back of the Cauldron, and last night it was hard to hear some the chants thru the Argentines. With their drumming, and the fact that most people down in front are facing the field and singing, it was hard to get in rhythm last night.

When it comes to the Argentines songs, I usually just clap along. I'm probably never going to learn what they are saying.

[kopiteinkc]

I think Ben makes some very valid observations and this needs addressing.

The only explanation I can come up with for lack of singing by some in the Cauldron is the Argentinian fans. Don't get me wrong, I love what they bring to the Cauldron. I love their enthusiasm, their chants, the noise, the whole package.

However, when numerous chants by the regular Cauldron are either ignored, drowned out or sung over it becomes really frustrating.

I made a conscious effort to try and clap along with all of the Argentinian chants, but I don't know any of the words. The words I do know here and there I am trying to pick up on as we go.

But, more effort needs to be made in terms of coordinating chants, alternating back and forth or something. I know some of this has already been started, but last night showed we have a long long way to go to coordinate our efforts.

I heard someone a row or two back from me, yell "sing in English" at the Argentinians. That is not what I am advocating. Better coordination and everyone giving their all.

It's time to put the cell phones and cameras away and get into the game.

[TFC_till_I_die]

I thought you guys sounded a lot better last night IMO

My two cents....what you guys had was really good, if you could just have more of it covering a larger part of Arrowhead, it would obviously be even better (given the size of your stadium)

[Lord Helmet]

For what its worth, you guys have sounded great on TV all season. I wish I could be there to help :)

[the_cyclones]

But, more effort needs to be made in terms of coordinating chants, alternating back and forth or something. I know some of this has already been started, but last night showed we have a long long way to go to coordinate our efforts.

Agreed.

[kuhnscoot]

But, more effort needs to be made in terms of coordinating chants, alternating back and forth or something. I know some of this has already been started, but last night showed we have a long long way to go to coordinate our efforts.

Agree, a lot of the time a Cauldron chant would start and before we got very far into it, the Argentine's started up a different chant. I may not know Spanish pretty well, but as like Mark, I am making an effort to clap at least, and am picking up more words to the Spanish chants.

[Diego Pasley]

Ok, I will qualify this by stating last night was my first game all year. I stood dead center 3rd row, in front of the argentine drums. Someone has got to figure out who the "leader" of the argentines is and make some kind of coordinated plan of attack. The section sounded great with both groups in it, but there were a lot of times where only HALF the group coud participate due to language barriers. An example of how it could be was the last 5 minutes of the game...both groups chanting the same thing as loud as possible..it was great. Some form of coordination would help a lot. It also seemed to me that when the argentines didnt like a chant the cauldron was doing they would intentionally play a different beat on their drums, and I had more than one beer shower from the argentine section when we chanted something different than them at the same time

PS. And yes, I chanted, clapped, and cheered the entire game...so did my buddy who had never even heard any of the chants before.

[TFC_till_I_die]

Ok, I will qualify this by stating last night was my first game all year. I stood dead center 3rd row, in front of the argentine drums. Someone has got to figure out who the "leader" of the argentines is and make some kind of coordinated plan of attack. The section sounded great with both groups in it, but there were a lot of times where only HALF the group coud participate due to language barriers. An example of how it could be was the last 5 minutes of the game...both groups chanting the same thing as loud as possible..it was great. Some form of coordination would help a lot. It also seemed to me that when the argentines didnt like a chant the cauldron was doing they would intentionally play a different beat on their drums, and I had more than one beer shower from the argentine section when we chanted something different than them at the same time

PS. And yes, I chanted, clapped, and cheered the entire game...so did my buddy who had never even heard any of the chants before.

we get that a bit as well in the south end at BMO, could I suggest that you have the groups segregated side by side...in different sections...or within the same section...that way the chant mightn't be so muffled IMO

[Beech]

These last few posts remind me of a (visual) joke some comedian was doing along time ago about the differences between white and black people dancing. White people decide to dance, walk out to the dance floor, pick their spot, and then (dance) start dancing. Black people dance all the way from their table to the floor.

Go with the flow guys, whatever it may be. You're all at the same party.

[KCFutbol]

These last few posts remind me of a (visual) joke some comedian was doing along time ago about the differences between white and black people dancing. White people decide to dance, walk out to the dance floor, pick their spot, and then (dance) start dancing. Black people dance all the way from their table to the floor.

Go with the flow guys, whatever it may be. You're all at the same party.
But apparently there is only one acceptable way to dance.

[StuBentley]

Ok, I will qualify this by stating last night was my first game all year. I stood dead center 3rd row, in front of the argentine drums. Someone has got to figure out who the "leader" of the argentines is and make some kind of coordinated plan of attack. The section sounded great with both groups in it, but there were a lot of times where only HALF the group coud participate due to language barriers. An example of how it could be was the last 5 minutes of the game...both groups chanting the same thing as loud as possible..it was great. Some form of coordination would help a lot. It also seemed to me that when the argentines didnt like a chant the cauldron was doing they would intentionally play a different beat on their drums, and I had more than one beer shower from the argentine section when we chanted something different than them at the same time

PS. And yes, I chanted, clapped, and cheered the entire game...so did my buddy who had never even heard any of the chants before.


Having been at several games with those guys now, I'd have to disagree that they intentionally try to throw us off (and the cheap beer showers are just part of their celebrations...I've gotten used to it). I think they tend to try to create interesting rhythms and not all of our stuff lends itself to that. Our drums have historically been used to keep a very simple, rudimentary beat (you know...like Meg White). The Argies on the other hand try to take it up a notch and do something new with it and that many time has lead to cacophany.

As to them stepping on chants, if there is even a bit of quiet, they will fill it. And that's exactly as it should be. If we want to start chants, be authoritative about it and keep it going, they will join in. Look at the "Oh, KC Wiz" one for instance. When we start that one, we are all loud and agressive about it and they have picked up on it. Also, I was doing my best to work between John and the Argies last night and at times it went very well.

Give it time guys. We're experiencing growing pains and it's not a bad problem to have. It wasn't hard to organize chants when there were 50 of us...but then there were 50 of us. Which would you rather have?

As for people standing around doing nothing. When you've got the cheapest ticket in the stadium and the site line is not that bad, guess what, you're going to get tourists. If the only thing they have to do is stand to have those seats they likely will. The regulars do need to do everything they can to keep things going though. Personally, I'm starting to get my voice back, my hands have finally stopped vibrating from the cowbell and my muscle aches are easing up....but that's just how I should feel after a game. :D

[rainbowwigwizard]

I think it would be a big help if we could get the words to the Argentina songs. I found one of them on a site on soccer chants from a Boca Juniors match. This clip has the words imposed on the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFk4miHViQ

[the_cyclones]

I think it would be a big help if we could get the words to the Argentina songs. I found one of them on a site on soccer chants from a Boca Juniors match. This clip has the words imposed on the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFk4miHViQ

Very nice. That will help I think.
Thanks. Rep.

[KCRulestheEast]

Having been at several games with those guys now, I'd have to disagree that they intentionally try to throw us off (and the cheap beer showers are just part of their celebrations...I've gotten used to it). I think they tend to try to create interesting rhythms and not all of our stuff lends itself to that. Our drums have historically been used to keep a very simple, rudimentary beat (you know...like Meg White). The Argies on the other hand try to take it up a notch and do something new with it and that many time has lead to cacophany.

As to them stepping on chants, if there is even a bit of quiet, they will fill it. And that's exactly as it should be. If we want to start chants, be authoritative about it and keep it going, they will join in. Look at the "Oh, KC Wiz" one for instance. When we start that one, we are all loud and agressive about it and they have picked up on it. Also, I was doing my best to work between John and the Argies last night and at times it went very well.

Give it time guys. We're experiencing growing pains and it's not a bad problem to have. It wasn't hard to organize chants when there were 50 of us...but then there were 50 of us. Which would you rather have?

As for people standing around doing nothing. When you've got the cheapest ticket in the stadium and the site line is not that bad, guess what, you're going to get tourists. If the only thing they have to do is stand to have those seats they likely will. The regulars do need to do everything they can to keep things going though. Personally, I'm starting to get my voice back, my hands have finally stopped vibrating from the cowbell and my muscle aches are easing up....but that's just how I should feel after a game. :D

Can I get one of those cowbells for next game?

[StuBentley]

Can I get one of those cowbells for next game?

We had a few of them that Oct brought to one game (think he picked them up at a garage sale or something). I'm not sure where the others went. We can check around at the tailgate.

[Diego Pasley]

Can I get one of those cowbells for next game?



Sorry, I dont remember your real name KCRulesTheEast, but you seemed to know both the english and spanish chants last night. Maybe you would be a good liason between the two groups?

Hope my earlier post was not taken wrong, last night was the best game experience I have ever had.

[IASocFan]

I brought two others to my first game of the year a week ago last Sunday. One of the guys is paraplegic, so we sat at the top. GREAT VIEW and a Great place to listen to the Cauldron! You sounded great!

I've been to four Menace games this year and about 50 high school games this Spring (mostly wearing YELLOW), so I haven't travelled the 200 miles often. I also have two kids going to school in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, so most of my travel is the wrong direction. Hope to join the Cauldron more come soon.