Hey, I've got a competition coming up, and I'm not sure about the speed of my vibrato. Some people say they like fast vibratos, but I've also heard people remark that a fast vibrato can make you sound nervous. What do most American oboe judges prefer, if anyone knows?

Also, I've noticed that the quality of my vibrato depends on the air pressure in my lungs. In one of the movements I'm playing, there is a long phrase with a few sixteenth runs and it ends with a long note. I would ideally prefer the long note to have the sweetest vibrato I can possibly have, but I don't want to ruin the phrase by breathing in an awkward place or after a crescendo. I was wondering about exercises that will help increase my lung capacity and help my hold more air.

<Added>

sorry, not "a few" sixteenth runs, meant quite a few, as in many. Not that it really matters, just thought I'd clarify.

For vibrato exercises, I'm not sure, but I think the vibrato judges are looking for are similar to the vibrato you hear at :34 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgVnhOoW80Y. Nice and even, and I'm sure not too hard on the oboist.

play musically and should never sound contrived....