Madison Cabagbag | Social Media Editor
March 17, 2026
With the start of the annual NCAA college basketball tournament known as March Madness, fans across the country are filling out their bracket predictions. Our own San Clemente High School French Program likes to bring this fun tradition into their classrooms through annual participation in an inspired event called Manie Musical.
Manie Musical, meaning “Music Mania” in French, was founded in 2017 by Falmouth Middle School teacher Michelle Fournier and other French teachers who were committed to creatively immersing students in French culture. Together, they created the Manie Musicale Collaborative, a nonprofit, and every year their organization has partnered with a diverse selection of artists to release a bracket of 16 unique francophone songs for listeners to enjoy. This then provides an opportunity to participate in competitive bracket predictions.
According to the Portland Press Herald, as of 2025, Manie Musicale has over 800,000 participants in 35 countries. Within the United States, 7,068 schools participate across all 50 states.
“It’s a very educational and creative process where students can vote and be connected through music” said sophomore student Ruby Howards. “Minimum Ça was so good last year, but I mostly remember being sad that Fighter didn’t win.”
“I made my bracket for this year,” said sophomore student Summer Luciani. “I think it’s a fun way to involve people. I also participated last year— loved ‘Minimum Ca.’ For some reason I feel like last year’s songs were better.”
The artists behind Manie Musicale’s music represent a variety of French-speaking countries and vast aspects of French culture. The exposure from this event was a game-changer for last year’s fan favorite, Dr. Yaro, an initially small artist, whose single “Minimum Ça” has amassed a whopping 100 million streams on Spotify.
It’s important to highlight the special ways educators bring wonder into learning spaces. Manie Musicale embodies how to engage learners in cultural appreciation while still being exciting and memorable. This month, French students are paying special attention to catch any new standout songs to root for. By the end of March, French students will be immersed in an important part of culture: music.
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