It was over two years ago when Mineola resident Paul Wenzel made news with his success on the Chaminade High School debate team. Now, rather than driving his point across by arguing it, Wenzel is using his musical talents to express himself.

The 20-year-old has already put out his first CD and has performed at the Munchaba Fest, a sort of Long Island version of Woodstock, held this past Sunday at the Martha Clara Vineyard in Jamesport where 41 local bands perform across five stages.

For Wenzel and the members of his band (they have yet to come up with a name), the opportunity to showcase the songs he has written on his own presents itself at various clubs across Long Island. But, unlike many cover bands that play their favorites from other bands, Wenzel plays his own written music with his lyrics, although he has trouble putting a label on his genre.

He describes what he plays as alternative rock to straight rock and roll. "It really depends. I draw from everything," Wenzel said, naming bands and performers such as the Beatles, Curt Kobain and Nirvana, Garth Brooks, Radio Head and Bob Marley as those who have influenced his music.

As was the case when Wenzel was a member of the Chaminade debate team and had to be ready to argue any side of an issue, he is also multifaceted when it comes to his music. Aside from writing the music and the lyrics, Wenzel plays the guitar in his four-member band and sings. "I work at it long hours trying to come up with whatever I think is going to work," he said.

While listeners only hear the finished product, Wenzel loves the creative process, coming up with songs that he believes others may enjoy. "I sit down with a guitar and I'll start playing something randomly and the melody pops up in my head and I'll make it into a song. The lyrics take me a while. I put a lot of myself and meaning into the lyrics," he said.

Like many enamored with the idea of fame and the glamour that comes from being seen and heard by millions, Wenzel admits that as a youth he wanted to be a rock star. But it's only been about a year since he has decided to pursue a music career and it is for the pure love of aspects of music.

"I have a CD that I put out last summer that I thought was good. That kind of started getting my juices flowing," he said.

Wenzel is planning on another CD. He also plays at various clubs on Long Island such as the Munchaba Lounge in Levittown and The Downtown in Farmingdale. If you would like more information, log on to www.paulwenzel.com.