ARCADIA - The lead actor in this year's Arcadia High School musical didn't speak English when he arrived at the school three years ago.

Felipe Martinez also hadn't been on stage or sung with a school choir.

"I came to choir, sat in the tenor section and watched," the 17-year-old high school senior said. "I'd smile and nod."

Though he liked music, he said he never had an opportunity to participate in his native Guatemala. Martinez, who immigrated with his family, was able to find his niche and become comfortable with his English fine arts. Teachers encouraged him to sing in choir, show choir and musicals, while fellow students helped him out.

"I had to practice music a lot. I didn't know what was going on," he said. "Everyone helped me with pronouncing words. I had a lot of people who have been there for me and helped me."

He had roles in the past two school musicals and will play the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the high school.

"When he was first here, he didn't understand anything or do anything," said Nancy Martinovici, choir director. "Now I am surprised at the wisdom he uses every day. He is the tenor section leader and is very responsible ... He wants to learn whatever he can."

English as a second language teacher Jane Bautch said Martinez would sing in her classroom before she directed him to Martinovici and band director Sam Ruud.

"There was a good group of kids. It was a perfect match for his skills and what he needed," Bautch said.

Martinez plans on returning to Arcadia High School next year to improve his English. He wants to go to college and become a musician.

Bautch said Martinez does well in conversation but if he wants to further his education, he needs to work on the more challenging written language.

Martinovici says Martinez should be an elementary school teacher.